Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

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.

IMHO, the biggest bargain in high-end audio is a refurbed Audible Illusions M3A. Art works on these himself, replaces everything that is needed for it to look, test and sound as new. Comes with a warranty and a new set of tubes.  Sorry, no remote though.

Highly recommended!

I've been using a deHavilland Ultraverve 3 for a few years now.  You won't be disappointed.