Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

@nightfall -

I've been following your query/thread with interest because a while back I was also looking for a tube pre-amp, with remote for $2000. 

If I may, I'd recommend either an ARC LS15, or a Sonic Frontiers Linestage 1 or 2. Both come with remotes and with both XLR and RCA inputs/outputs you have synergy with a large number of power amps and upstream sources. They are also both a tube rollers delight, using 6922 signal tubes and variants. Soundwise, both are slightly on the warm side of neutral. Between the two, I thought the SF had a much beefier power supply, providing a more robust sound, while the LS15 had transparency in spades. Both imaged quite well.

Something else that may interest you down the road--the ability to upgrade the capacitors and power supplies without paying an arm and a leg.

FWIW--after auditioning both the ARC and a SF 2+SE, I went with the LS-15 because it was $250 less. It was a close choice, and I would have been happy with either.

I hope you are enjoying your search. No doubt, whatever you choice you will enjoy the music!

David

+1 on RP1

Tubes4hifi  SP14 Preamp 

Anyone have experience with the somewhat new LAB 12 Pre1? Its gotten consistently excellent reviews. Its $2400.00 new and they sell for about $1700.00, used. 

Herb Reichert, in Stereophile, said (in a comparison with two much more expensive preamps) 

"I regard all three preamps as sitting at or near the leading edge of what's possible with line-level preamplification."

I own a Supratek Cabernet.  Mick made it new in 2023.  It is  fantastic pre that performs way above it’s price.  If you can find one used with remote I would recommend it highly.  They are made with remotes.  Johnny Slate is the USA tech located in North Carolina.  Mick has been dealing with health issues of late.  Last I heard 2 months ago Mick has suspended his building until his health improves.  Hope he is doing well.

Lab12 makes great components priced very well.  I owned their Dac1 Reference and was very impressed with the SQ and build quality.