Tube Pre-amp Suggestions.

So, back to Class D, besides the overpriced GANFET models that are being praised by reviewers with a fair fight comparison with silicon based Purifi Eigentakt models (which are half the price, twice the power, and measure better), don't just settle on Buckeye, Nord Acoustics has a great Eigentakt monoblock with more options and a better build aesthetic.

As for preamps, I do like my Schiit Freya+, so +5 on that one. But I also enjoy my Rogue RP7 which you can attain used in your price range. 

@ericrhodes1 it seems the Rogues don’t have balanced inputs, but the Schiits do.

I will check out Nord Acoustics, thanks!

@yyzsantabarbara Thanks, so not too big on the Freya as others here?             Have you heard Ravens, they don’t seem to offer a pre-amp only?

@kds I like a bit of clarity in my sound and the Freya+ was a bit too thick for my tastes. I did get it sounding to my sonic preference with the uber neutral Benchmark AHB2. However, other preamps sounded better to me with the AHB2, so the Freya+ was sold.

The Raven Revelation is the Don Sach (and 1 other designers) attempt at the state of the art in a tube preamp. Spatial Audio has rights to build this preamp. It has become rather popular on A’gon. Cost is a bit under $7k.

https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier

I switch between a Pass XA-25 and a Dennis Had Inspire "Firebottle" HO (high output) SEP...speakers are modded Klipsch Heresy IIIs (prefer the titanium mids in the IIIs to the poly re-designed mids in the IVs).

There are a few Audible Illusions models on the used market.  I have not heard them but consistent praise ... service, on the other hand consistent difficulty:

https://hifizero.com/index.php?q=audible+illusions

https://www.audibleillusions.com/