Need preamp recommendation

Go for it.....

What power amp do you have?

What features do you need from a preamp? I've been looking at preamps extensively as well in that price range. I have been curious to see what tubes would do in the chain to go along with a SS power amp.

These three are on my short list - and can all be found under 4k used. The Rogue is a hybrid design and the other tube are all Tube. The Rogue and Backert Labs are made in the US if that matters.
- Backert Labs Rumba 
- Rogue Audio RP-7 
- Primaluna EVO 400

I want the LTA MZ3 ... has a great headphone section too (world class). Their Berning ZOTL design runs the tubes at lower power for longer tube life. The is said to be an extraordinary preamp/headphone amp. $3700

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lta-mz3-preamplifier/

They also make a full size preamp with onboard power supply, with more inputs. Sonically, it’s exactly the same.

^ LTA MZ3 would be excellent. and I'll add the Don Sachs Linestage for a little more tube bloom

Buy VAC NOW!!

I agree that the LTA preamps are enticing. I personally would want the one below. I've read that it can sound a bit lean so matching with amplifier is key.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/microzotl-preamplifier

@OP,
Wait!
What is the rest of your system?
It's hard to make a recommendation without knowledge of the other components.
Bob

dehavilland ultraverve 3

Buy either a deHavilland or a counterpoint and send it to me for upgrades. Best you'll ever hear when I'm done. Happy listening

I like Herron 360 3A and LTA 

A used Herron VTSP-3A(r02) or (r03) and LTA

I'll 2nd the Don Sachs Linestage.  I purchased one on a whim just to check it out and ended up selling my AR-Ref-5se and my PS Audio BHK Reference.   God bless Don Sachs.  Wonderful man to do business with and a spectacular product! 

What about Van Alstine? A tube pre-amp. There is one listed for sale on Audiogon (with amp, though). I'd like to hear people's thoughts on Van Alstine- it looks really reasonably priced.

Second AVA, or search eBay for older McIntosh Conrad Johnson, Dynaco or similar tube preamp

op 

by the look of your setup you like your music sounding sharp

better stick with a solid state pre -- go ayre, top of line w4s, maybe a used klyne... a tube pre may soften the sound more than you would like

ROTEL MICHI P5. Fantastic preamp. It has all you need. Tone controls xlr imputs and DAC is Ian other level.  I got it under 4k with tax. Very transparent sound. Actually amps will make all the difference.  Consider it before committing to any other option

Audible illusions modulus 3B .At the price on the used market unbeatable and it come with moving coil stage if need be .

Ear 912, Atma Sphere MP-3 or MP-1

Take a look at the Decware ZPRE. You also might take a look at Manley labs pre amps as well

I am very happy with my Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl preamp ($4,450)

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/microzotl-preamplifier

+1 for ROTEL MICHI P5 
great preamp excellent sound 
lot of inputs and outputs including 4 pairs Balance   XLR Support MQA render decode unfold gorgeous looking preamp 

riffwraith,

Turntables can use different kinds of cartridges.  One of them is “Moving Coil”. They put out less power and need a different pre-preamp.

Hope that helps.

JD

VTL 2.5 on USAM would enhance your system for under a grand.  Save up for other upgrades!  Like speakers...

patrickdowns4 and others of LTA/ Linear Tube Audio praise are absolutely correct. I bought a LTA MicroZotl pre; gave it a shot, played with the tube configuration and decided it beats or as good as my $13,000 Conrad Johnson GAT pre. MicroZotl comes with a built in Headphone amp as well as being an amazing pre with a super volume control; remote is easy to learn in my opinion; its an Apple Remote. Try one out for free for 30 days; call them.
https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/tradein-demo-bstock/microzotl-preamplifier-b-stock-case
https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/
301-448-1534

I'd look at Modwright's offerings.

I bought a McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp

I’ve never been happier (I’m 72), terrific tuner, wonderful pre-amp and two MM Phono inputs. I now have TT with two tonearms, that turned out to be a great feature.

Happens to be two for sale here,

this one of the best ones I have ever seen (I don’t know the member, it just came up on hifishark)

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa3e8j-mcintosh-mx-110-tube?refsource=hifishark

this one also very nice, 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9hcbb-mcintosh-mx-110-tube

the glass face can be replaced, or re-painted, it's just black paint on the back, I broke/replaced mine $45. Seller online sells new glass already painted around $90.

review
https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm

not many have the wood case as both these do.

Concert Fidelity tube preamp is one of the greatest preamps produced.

check out reviews.

here is one for sale - great price.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649437258-concert-fidelity-cf080ls-tube-preamplifier/

If you want to blend in tubes look at the Rogue RP-5 $3.5k new and see if the numbers match up with what you need.  If you need balanced then look at the RP-7 used .  YOu might catch people moving off the 7 up to the 9. Then you can start rolling tubes which is fun.

Rogue gots good customer service as well.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-rp-7-line-preamplifier-specifications

I'll second mboldda1's recommendation.  I have a DeHavilland Ultraverve (mk1 I guess) that's been great for me for over a decade.

those two mx110z's: one may not be OEM walnut case, verify with seller if it matters.

+1 on Don Sachs preamp, this is an outstanding preamp and can compete with or even better than other more expensive preamps. I bought the LTA preamp and returned it after one week. It has a nice clarity but there’s no warmth that you get from a tube preamp or even my solid state Jeff Rowland preamp. 

Would help greatly if you’d share what aspects of sound reproduction are most important and attractive to you and what specifically you’d like to improve upon, otherwise you’re just going to get a wide range of personal favorites that may or may not match with your own sonic tastes and priorities.

I traded in my LTA preamp for Pass XP-20 and haven’t looked back. The Pass has much better body, spatial separation, and detail with significantly lower self-noise IMHO.

Get a loaded Sachs preamp for under $3k. One of the great deals in audio. 

Might add Odyssey Audio to the list ...

I second the Pass XP 20.  Use the best interconnect and power cable  you can afford 

I will provide two recommendations based on my own personal experience:
Backert Rhumba - if you are looking for a very fast, neutral sound, with a holographic soundstage, super low output impedance
Aric Audio Special 6SN7 - if you want a fuller, more rounded sound (including rounder bass), also with a huge atmospheric, holographic soundstage.
Love both, easy to live with either, and match well with SS and tubes amps.  Customizable sound based on the tubes of your choosing / both are tube rolling pleasures!

Atma-sphere MP3 or MP1 if your budget can hit that.

World class and never boring. I used to own VAC whilst i like them i still consider the Atma a step or two above. 

VAC is warm but kinda gets boring its not as dynamic as Atma and over time you get to realise the warmth is sacrificed for other much-needed attributes one needs to get a musical setup

I suggest a atma-sphere MP3. Fully loaded pre amp its more of a destination pre amp rather then a merry-go-round 

The best Wyetech Labs Preamp you can afford. 

If you can find a used Sutherland Audio N1 Preamp you may find audio nirvana!

My vote is for Audio Research.  Watch the market and you can easily resell the piece if you buy smart.  For your budget you can get a REF 3 that is still well respected as an excellent preamp.  

I have a B&K REF5 S2 and replaced it with an ARC LS3B which completely opened up my sound.  Recently I moved to the ARC LS26 which made another nice advancement in my system.  

Preamps are probably the easiest component to deal with in the used market as they are mostly not too bulky nor heavy.  Whether it is an ARC component or any of the others, follow the same strategy to buy smart....enjoy it in your system for a while and decide if it has what you seek.  If not resell and try again!

Have fun!!

Don Sachs all in preamp is a giant killer. And it has you under budget, and you get brand new built for you.  The LTA stuff is all good too.

Having had over 25 preamps in the last three decades, my current favorite full function preamp is the Doge 8 Clarity.  The line stage is right at home with my Aesthetix IO signature Phono stage and Coincident SET amplifiers.  Incredible price performance.  Read “preamp shootout” parts 1 and 2 for info.  Focused more on phono stages, but a good primer for some line stage comparisons as well.

Another vote for the Don Sachs Audio 6SN7 line stage pre. Just a spectacular performer that you must hear to appreciate. Tube warmth without sacrificing any detail or clarity.

Another vote for a Don Sachs pre. Outstanding and such a great value.

Oz