Tube preamp with the best overall balance of sound on the slightly "warm" side of the divide, ~1k used,~2k new? Must be detailed, dynamic and excel in imaging and soundstage.
Van Alstine gives you two outstanding options there, he pretty much owns the market at that price level. The T8+ is pure tube, while the Avastar uses a tube input stage and an SS output stage.
Upscale Audio still has a few AES-DJH preamps. These were designed by Dennis Had of Cary Audio. I believe you can get one new with remote for about $1300 or so. Great little preamp at a terrific value. Swap out the stock tubes with some NOS and you should be set. As with most Cary gear, it's on the warm sound of neutral.
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