Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

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.

I had a VTL TL-2.5 for many years & upgraded to the VTL TL-5.5.

The TL-2.5 is a great preamp - all tube with remote.

The TL-5.5 is quite an upgrade, and its even better if you upgrade the JJs to NOS tubes.

Using an Audible Illusions l3a right now and am very happy.

I have a Don Sachs DS2 with remote, upgraded fuse and signal tubes, and extra rectifiers that I was going to put up for sale for $2500.  If you're interested message me and we can come to an arrangement.

@durkn Your Vtl 2.5 & 5.5 were they older models with large volume knobs or the newer series ?

I'm curious to know the difference between the VTL 2.5 & 2.5i ? wonder if it is a large upgrade. I never see the newer VTL 2.5i on the used market. I use NOS tubes on my VTL 2.5 my VTL has the small volume knob, but is still just a 2.5 not a 2.5i.made in 2013.

A VTL 5.5 brings you into a much pricer range, then It opens you to much more comparisons with expensive models like LTA Microzotl, Atma-sphere,VAC etc...

Even the newer VTL 2.5i is close to the same price as a Cary SLP-05. I would love to hear a comparison on those two models.

Sorry I'm getting away from OP topic of a used tube Pre with remote under $2K.

I just love comparing tube preamps, really changes the signature of a stereo setup.