Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

To answer your questions, as noted in the title of this discussion, my max budget is $2k,

Yes, a remote is critical. 

As for the Dehavilland pre's, I have not found anyone who has, has every heard of, or has any idea of how a remote could be added. 

I only sold the Modwright due to a forced downsizing because of circumstances quite a few years back. It was an excellent unit. There was a specific combination of tubes that Dan told me took it to another level. I don't recall what those were. I am a big Modwright fan,and have spent a bit of time with Dan, phone and at shows. 

And yes, the quad of 6SN7's that the Cary SLP-98 uses concerns me a bit because of what a costs for a nice quad of those  NOS tubes. 

Oh, and hilde45. Thanks VERY much for your perspective on that Quicksilver preamp. That sound signature is not what I'm seeking. That said, Mike isa great guy and has made some extremely nice power amps in his time. 

i’ve only been thru about 100 6 series preamp tubes… microphonic…. many people like that….

ARC would be my choice, then Herron, VTL, Modwright in a tight tie….

agree on Quickie amps

@nightfall and others -- sorry FOUR 6SN7 tubes rather than SIX. My bad.

I still prefer having a preamp with one. Why? Cost: they range in price but maybe $30 bucks and up (times four). I'd rather spend money on having a variety of 6SN7 tubes to try different sounds with. I don't want to buy multiple quads. IMHO, having amps with that many tubes is what would push me toward a solid state preamp.

Sure thing about the QS. I upgraded the caps in my preamp and still didn’t wind up keeping it.