Looking for Tube Pre Amp Advice

@bobbyloans I have had a couple of BAT preamplifiers and currently own a BAT VK-90 preamplifier.  They offer all the design features you are looking for; fully balanced from input through to the outputs and also a theater bypass function.  The attached link will take you to a listing for a BAT VK-51SE, which is a predecessor generation to the model I currently own.  BAT preamplifiers are outstanding in every way sonically and with an exceptional build quality.  This is well within your budget, too.  Do some research on BAT preamps, of course.  Best to you.  Balanced Audio Technology Tube Preamplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart

just thinking about adding a tube preamp to my SS system. Love my Benchmark LA-4, all Balanced, Balanced also for a SUB. LA-4 also offer 10db of gain, Do any of the aforementioned offer adjustable gain? Thanks Robert TN

@robshaw Regarding the brand of preamp I mentioned, all of the BAT preamps are 18db maximum gain and are not adjustable.  They all offer two sets of preamp outputs.  Volume control is in .5db steps.  It is the very best volume control I have ever owned.  It is the very best preamp I have ever owned.    

Great. Good luck. Look forward to hearing what you choose. Make sure you look carefully at Audio Research preamps.

I’m also considering a tube pre.  I think one of the advantages of the Backert preamps, is when it’s HT By-Pass - the tubes are off. I don’t want to use up tube life when I’m watching a show on TV. I think Cary has this feature on their Preamps as well.   As far as the best sounding tube pre, I have little personal experience with any - which is why I still in the considering stage.