Best Options For A Tubed Preamp - $2500 Or Less, Preferably Used To Maximize Value

Do you want the phono stage or is a line stage what you're looking for?

I appreciate the Audio Research LS suggestions, but it's always been my understanding that, being true balanced designs, you need a power amplifier thats also XLR to truly reach the best performance level. My amplifier is purely single ended. 

audiophile1 said:

"What amplifier will the preamp drive? What is the amplifier gain and input impedance? Do you need XLR connections? 
There’s no one answer. You have to match the preamp to your amp."

The amp, while very high quality is a very little know cult model. And I do clearly understand preamp/power amp matching. XLR connections are not needed, The amplifier spec of importance is:

amplifier input impedance 180k ohms

If you can stretch your budget a bit this is a great choice:

What amplifier will the preamp drive? What is the amplifier gain and input impedance? Do you need XLR connections? 
There’s no one answer. You have to match the preamp to your amp. 

The following is a Copy Paste of a contribution I made to another recent tread.

In a Tube Pre-Amp Bake Off using Ear Power Amp's and ESL Speakers, this Pre' was proving to be more than capable. It was the choice made by the system owner. Not bad when Tube Pre's were available at the Bake Off with a retail of up to £5K and one being a EAR 868. 

___________________________________________________________

It would be in your interests to investigate the Pass Designed Korg B1 Pre Amp.

I am familiar with this design used with both SS and Tube. It is a Pre' that has well documented upgrade options.

As the basic build it offers a substantial amount and has proven to be a showstopper when built with a compliment of upgrades.  

I would recommend getting a used Audio Research LS ~ 24… 25, 26… the highest number you can find. Alternatively a Conrad Johnson preamp… as far back as you need to go.

Both of these companies have been at the forefront of high end preamp design for fifty years. They have made some of the best preamps of all times and you get extremely musical preamps that are constructed like tanks made to last a lifetime.

I've owned and like the Black Ice Audio F360 line stage. Punches way above its retail price with some unique and useful features. Uses one 6SN7, so inexpensive to roll NOS tubes.

IMHO, all Black Ice products offer great value. I see a used F360 available now for $1600 (retail $2500). Check the usual used gear sites.

Black Ice Audio F360 Line Stage