You just missed the cream-puff Conrad Johnson PV-11 that I sold. If you can find one, or similar C-J all-tube preamps, you should get what you want within your price range. Note that models were made with and without a very good MM phono stage.
tube pre amp for cary six pac tube amps
looking for late evening warmth. female vocals, mellow strings from the likes of mark knopfler, cowboy junkies, bonnie rait, eva cassady and the like. cary slp is a natural fit but any other quality tube pre recommendations would be appreciated, budget: +/- $1,500 (used, older but well regarded is therefore my domain). thanks for your thoughts and suggestions, including tube recommendations.