Which Tube Pre for 5K?


I'm considering the following: Aesthetix Calypso, VAC Standard, MkII, and Blue Circle BC3 Galatea, MkII (feel free to add others). I'm unable to audition any of these. I do want a fully balanced pre with a remote and would consider buying used.
Thanks all.
robal
I wanted the same features in a tube pre. Last summer, I bought a new Calypso without hearing it first.

No regrets. No plan to replace it. It truely is a fantastic sounding pre-amp. It is built like a tank too!
Barrelchief, did you audition the VAC or BC? What tubes did you end up using with the Calypso?

Thanks.