Looking for a new (preowned OK) line stage under $5K: suggestions?

As evidenced by this thread, there are a great many choices. We may have reached the point where recommendations become overwhelming and therefore useless.

At the risk of making things worse, I recommend either an ASR Basis Exclusive or a Zanden 120. Both of which pop up used for around $5K.

Good luck.

newer c-j is much much less euphonic that older stuff pv-12 pv-14 what have you... like many other makers, their sound has been modernized in recent generations, more air, clarity and slam without loss of midrange and imaging magic

I us d to own many Classe preamps and amps. If you like the Classe line, the cp60 is a big jump up, or the newer cp800. The newer preamps I’ve had recently or have experience with are the McIntosh 47 with included dac and 2 input phono preamp included (the dac was just ok, the phono preamps were better) or the ps audio bhk signature preamp. 

I recently purchased the PrimaLuna Evo400 line stage new. I could not be happier. Sound is awesome. Build quality is becoming legendary in the marketplace. They sell new just over 5200.00

The Theta genviii s3 is also an option to consider, i love mine!