Another tube preamp "What should I buy" question.

@rowester, spring for the new ARC Reference 20 Linestage.

I have the predecessing Reference 10, which has been one of the absolute best linestages available for 13+ years, since it was launched  

I’m sure the Ref 20 will do the same, and since you are aiming for your "forever" unit, it would be an excellent choice.

Launched this week at AXPONA, it will set you back $48,000 but you didn’t mention a budget, so…

(If that feels a bit steep, ARC also just launched the Reference 7 linestage at AXPONA.)

I have to also cast a vote for the ARC REF 6.  Seemingly built like a tank, sounds fantastic, a true reference pre for the tubers.  ARC has been around for ages and although mine has never needed service, a company with a long history that is bigger than a one man designer is reassuring.

Agreed to what many are saying, if Aric's list is 4 to 6 months out.....it's a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things for 20 years of bliss. That said, I'm an Aric Audio fanboy.....having the Motherlode XL at $6,375, which is the best preamp I've ever heard.....and his Transcend EL34 "Push Pull" amp. My next purchase will be from Aric as well, he will happily add any customization if it's feasible

Second recommendation would be the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp sold by Spatial Audio for $6,550

Third would be the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4 (not the standard Rhumba) which is $8,500

Fourth would be the Supratek 6SN7 Cabernet $4,000 or the Supratek Cabernt DHT at $4,500. I've heard both as friends own them, and they are wonderful. Also they are Australian made

Hey everyone - OP back again.

Thank you for your suggestions - I followed up all of the preamps suggested and explored as best I could their pros and cons. 

Happy to advise that today I paid the deposit on an Aric Motherlode XL. There's a wait for it to be built, and there's a bit (a lot!) of expense involved in shipping it to me in Australia, but I'm sure it'll be worth it when it arrives.

The Motherlode would not possibly have landed on my list were it not for the folk on this forum so thank you for drawing my attention to Aric, and his extraordinary products.

Now for a few months of delicious anticipation!!

Congratulations!  I am so satisfied with the ML XL. It is my end game preamp. Wishing you many years of enjoyment with it. Can I recommend Ken-Rad VT 231 (6SN7) tubes.  In my system they are magic.