What Tube Preamplifier Under $1800 to Choose?

Audio by Van Alstine. Frequent winner of affordable award winners from magazines that don't require advertising and very good set of choices, all built here in Minnesota.  https://avahifi.com/  

I am very happy with the sound of my older Transcendence 10 (not RB) tube preamp with more options than standard RB and built-in adjustable phono preamp.

Here is their guarantee for an almost free one month trial :

We have complete confidence in the design, workmanship, and musical quality of our audio components. Thus, on new AVA-built electronics, we offer you a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, subject only to these reasonable conditions:

• You must call for return authorization before shipping to us.
• Equipment must be received back to us in new condition, with all accessories and packing, within 30 days of our original shipping date to you.
• Returns must be shipped to us with freight and, where required, customs brokerage fees prepaid. Shipping charges, customs fees, and customs brokerage fees will not be reimbursed or refunded as these costs cannot be recovered.
• You will be refunded the purchase price of the item you are returning less our actual payment processing fees. These are typically about 3%.

I have a Rogue RP-1 and enjoy it. I have a Rogue Hera which was their premier pre and it’s a huge improvement. The RP-1 has a decent phono stage and a poor headphone stage. I found it favorable with NOS Telefunkens. HOWEVER the 12AU7 Vs a pre with a 6SN7 is a limiting factor. I’d look hard at the Modwright that’s mentioned by a few others and buy a clean used one. Plus it has a tube rectified power supply. Both companies offer great support. Happy Hunting , Mike B. 

A slightly stretched budget might score you a used RP-5.

Used LTA MZ2 

Check out the thread I created on the Schiit Valhalla 3. It is a real sleeper preamp and only $500.