First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

Simple - buy a used Counterpoint preamp just not the slim line SA-3 or SA-5.  All you need is a SA1000,  Send it to me for modifications - AC filter choke, Audio Note non-magnetic resistors - Amtrans resistors, Nichicon capacitors - maybe Audio Note capacitors - V-Caps, upgrade the volume control.  Now you don't have to spend $5K or more.  Just peak inside any of the recommendations above.  See if anyone of those preamps have any of these parts inside!  Short answer - not one of them.  Why spend $5K on a preamp that uses below average parts.  If you want I will even remove the Counterpoint guts and build you a point-to-point wired version which will just blow your mind.

Happy Listening.  

A winning circuit design will sound better with cheap parts than a average circuit design with top notch parts.

Really? Ever build anything? There are no new circuit designs. There are only compromises. Just by putting in a V-cap will change the sound of any unit for the better. Audio Note non-magnetic resistors also. Been repairing and modifying and manufacturing components for over 20 years. I am able to hear every component mentioned in these threads. Repair or upgraded most all of them also so I can compare them. Just because a component is made by a so called Tech means nothing. I have repaired or rebuilt those components also. Not all of them are that good. Recently added Manley Steelhead and Tron gear to my experience. Expensive components. Not reference quality. You are comparing manufactured gear from one company to another all made to a price point to make money. Low grade parts and mostly poor to just OK designs. Nothing point-to-point which always sounds better.

Anyone in the NYC - NJ - PA area is very welcome to come hear what things should sound like.  You are welcome to bring you own components over to compare.

Happy listening.

@invalid - I am NOT pushing my services in these threads.  Probably not one person posting on these threads could afford my products and services.  I have offered to help people out by offering to build them a superior product that they can afford and cannot find anywhere else.  If you think you can find a better product have at it.  But for me to take my time to build a point to point wired product using the parts that I offered for around $2K good luck finding anyone to do that for you.  I make about $200 building something like that.  I have been a member here for 20 years.  I have taken my personal time to travel to a homes to help them on my own dime.  I am happy to do that for people.  I have repaired more components than you have even heard.  You are a member since 2016.  You have one transaction on Audiogon. You don't even have your system listed.  Maybe instead trying to call someone out, you should look to their experience to achieve better results in your system.  I bet I have more money invested in parts then you have in your system.

@pfeoffer - excellent choice in a preamp.  Upgrade a few resistors and the transformer plus add an AC filter choke and your unit will sound even better.

Happy Listening