$3500 to spend on a tube preamp....ideas?

oops, the great sound in the DeHavilland room may have also had something to do with the source, amp, and speakers as well. I was very close to buying one, till I saw the Mapletree which simply sounded like the though behind it was very sound - no pun intended. My expecations were tempered, after all I was accoustomed to 5-8k preamps so what could I expect from this little $800 preamp! Well, since I had the Lighspeed already, it opened my up to the idea that SOTA sounds doesn't always mean lots of $$$$, though you will get better looking metal work and chassis with more expensive gear - but at 53 and many years in the hobby, going "backwards" has a certain appeal to me. Another great low cost item ($1,950 MSRP) is the Music Reference RM10 - but that a story for another day.

...going "backwards" has a certain appeal to me.

In my experience it's certainly been a lot more fun too.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will keep my eyes out for a Shindo Aurieges. There is a VAC Standard LE for sale right now-I called VAC and they said that it is a great piece for the money (can't afford a new preamp from them at $9000+). I also appreciate the other recommendations: as I had not heard of them until now, I will have to do some research.

Also, phono stage is not a requirement. Neither are balanced inputs.

Look at the new Ming DA MC300 pre/amp. The MC2A3 pre/amp (not from ebay) sounds very good and this new pre looks like they have added much better parts.

The MC2A3 pre/amps that are not from ebay still contain counterfeit parts such as "Rudeyconn" caps and fake M-caps.
Without mods they sound veiled, colored, and anemic in the bass department.