Best 3 tube preamps under $18000?

I know it is not tubed, but a worthy of consideration. Steve McCormack VRE-1 Preamp.

The BAT Rex is pretty special! The most natural mid-range I've heard to date. Hope you find what you like.

best,
Tom

VAS II, about $5000. Classic design, top of the line materials. Yes, it cannot beat the ARC unit, but hey, it sounds great and is a super value.

The ARC Ref-5 is definitely a nice pre and I would only recommend it if you can live with the fact that Audio Research will come out with a Ref 6 in about 3 months and that your ARC 5 will not be upgradable.

I would seriously have to stretch a couple of grand for the BAT REX or get the VK52se which may not be the best under 18k but it is upgradeable to the rex which is one of the if not the best pre-amps out there at any price.