Line Stage Preamps that blew you away $2500 Edition

I don't have a lot of experience with preamps. I mainly used integrateds until a couple years ago and got a Don Sachs Model 2. I love it. Not only does it sound great but Don is great to work with and I love the bespoke, handmade vibe of it. However... I've been curious about trying a solid state preamp in my system, which is predominantly tube based. I was curious about trying the Kinki Studio P7, but in my research I somehow came across the Audio GD HE 1 preamp. Then I learned about the balanced XLR version and while it is a tube preamp I decided (after way too much bourbon and way too late at night) to give it a try. I just hooked this beast of a preamp up about an hour ago and I can say it is so dead quiet I didn't think it was on. I'm not going to get into the weeds about this preamp as anyone can look it up, but so far it is impressive. I also like how much detail and dynamics I am getting at low volume. I tend to listen at low volume while working and my wife is in the other room, and again, very impressive. Its bit over the $2500 target, but the solid state version can be had at that price. Not saying its the best preamp as I can't make that claim with my limited experience but worth looking into.

Mullard 6201 is a ruggedized 12AT7 made for the British Military 

I am trying to decide whether to keep my CJ Classic 2SE or my Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 for a second system.  I do like how the 3 varieties of 12AT7 in the SFL-1 sounded.  Can’t really say that about the 6922 I’ve used in the CJ.   NOS 6922 are $$$ and new production leaves only a few choices.  

If you really love Dons preamp I would caution you about switching to SS ....   I think you will spend a lot more to better it with a SS .   My  “end game” solid state would be something by DartZeel or Dan d’agostino or something along those lines 

Why?   Because that is the caliber of solid state gear that I think really beats or equals the best tube gear I can ever hope to own , or own

@abd1 funny I,too was looking at the Kinki preamp. I’ve been super interested in the Holo Serene (used).

As for Don Sachs, I’m on the list but there’s no guarantee my number gets called. He’s semi retired and so he mentioned possibly next spring. Was pondering holding out until then to see if I get lucky or just research it to the point of madness and take a stab at something now.