Tube preamp with the "most" for 1k used, 2k new?

Audio Research is a safe bet. sp16 fits the bill more or less. Includes a decent tube phono section as well.

Remember with a tube pre-amp and SS amp, it is important to go with an amp that has higher input impedance (I prefer 60K Ohm or higher in general, but 40K is probably OK). How high will vary depending on pre-amp output impedance peaks at certain frequencies, which is often poorly documented. I like to go with the general rule keep the output impedance spec on the pre low and the input on the amp as high as possible to minimize chances for distortion and poor dynamics.

I recall 3 of the leading contenders in a tube pre-amp for me were DeHavilland, ARC, and VTL. The Manley is interesting but was not on my radar at the time. My local dealer sells ARC so I got to hear the sp16, liked what I heard and ended up buying the sp 16 new though at a decent price in that it was near the end of its production run.

What amp will it be used with? The TAD 125s? With ARC, I'd expect those to provide a most resolving sound similar to the best tube gear I have heard, which tends to resemble SS more.

VTl and DeHavilland made my short list when looking probably can't go wron with either of those as well. Probably more of a personal taste thing. My gut says those will sound more "tubey" than the ARC based on what I have read, but have never actually heard these.

I think any of those pre-amps are good choices.

ARC sp16 uses 6 12AX7 tubes, three in the line stage and 3 in the phono.

My TAD 125s and my ARC SP16 are in different systems. Would like to try them together someday with the Dynaudio monitors and OHM 100s in particular.

The ARC replaced a Carver C6 pre-amplifier and was a major step up in my main rig. The Carver is currently running the TADs and this combo is quite good in my second rig running Triangle monitors + M&K sub and Stax headphones.

You have a pretty detailed amp and very resolving speakers (Merlins?) I believe also.

Unless ultimate detail and resolution is your thing, ARC may not be the way to go in your case.

I think you are on a good track. I would love tohear the resulting system no matter which way you go with the pre.

Not sure if you do phono or not, but be sure to take that into account in that some pre-amps have this built in and some not and typically it will add cost.

I like the looks of the Joule but have read more good things about the Dehavilland, FWIW. I am not familiar with the Joule sound but the build quality looks pretty good.