Best tube pre-amp below US $ 10.000,00 ?

Wc65mustang, just be sure to wear a shirt if you're frying bacon :) That reminds me, time to put the brats on the grill.

Frankpiet, there are big differences between the CAT SL1 Ultimate and the Hovland...on your fine speakers you would hear them immediately.

Since your amp has balanced inputs you might also consider a preamp fully balanced throughout, and there are very good choices within your budget.

Brian