BAT VK-30 or 30 SE. I personally preferred the BAT sound versus CJ and Ayre. Currently running with a VK-200 into Aerial 10Ts. Great vocals, and the bass is fantastic in terms of texture and depth. Tube smoothness with no sacrifice in the bottom end or the highs.
Best Preamp under $5k??
I think around $5k is the reflection point of value/price ratio for preamps--or mostly any audio equipment maybe except speakers--where beyond this point, you would have to spend thousands more to improve just a little. What is the best preamp under $5k--tube or solid state?? Some popular ones are sf line 3, bat vk5i, arc ls25, simaudio p-5, plinius m16. Personally I have a cj pfr which I like quite a bit, but sooner or later it will be upgraded...