Decent preamp

Per itsjustme's comment above:

Totally under the radar and far below your budget is the B&K Reference 30. Even though it’s a 5 channel, reviewers at the time felt that it’s 2 channel performance surpassed that of the B&K 2 channel preamp that was available at that time. Quite a thing for about $300 or less. Sold new for just under $3000. You would not be disappointed.

B&K reference 30 is what I have now but good suggestion. Not a bad preamp. Even has toslink inputs. Looking for something more musical I guess? B&K menus are a mess too. I'm an it guy and I can barely figure that mess out.

Agree with joey54, the AI 3 line stage preamp is tube, and will give you great sound in conjunction with a SS amp.  Had AI preamps for 24 years between a 2D and 3A.  If buying used gives you the willy's, buy one of AI's reconditioned ones that come up several times a year.  They are about $200-300 more, but the tubes, and innards will look and be much like new.

Bob

Hmm Van Alstine.. forgot about that brand. I'll take a look at those. Good suggestion. Proceed was a good one too. Thanks guys!

Vintage Conrad Johnson pv series pre..
sound great, built extremely well. Fun tube rolling as well.