First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

All of the ones I’d recommend are already in here (EAR, Lamm, Atmosphere, Cary, CAT)…

I’ll throw in another vintage brand: Joule-Electra. Rich Brkich at Signature Sound (1-315-622-4137 and on Audiogon) can take care of you.

I am using an ARC LS-26 with Pass Labs 30.8. Best sound quality I have found yet. 

You need to check out Aric audio. They are a small Company on the East Coast, All American made, Point to point wiring, very good products and priced just right. His new top-of-the-line Motherlode 2 preamp is getting some buzz. I own one of his earlier top-of-the-line preamp and also his top-of-the-lineTranscend MM phono stage, I love both pieces.

TUBE PRE-AMP? - - -  No contest there.  PRIMA LUNA EVO400 
Pre-amp. You will love it !!

@invalid I talked to the space tech labs guy and the 1 thing I didn't like he wasn't willing to show me the internals (he claims since he doesn't want people to copy him). Its something I don't like about mcintosh either.

@ebm, I just realized the Vac is actually the older non-SE model. I did hope for the SE model. Also my local dealer (Angie's audio) told me that if I bought ARC or VAC used from someone (not her) that she would not give me any support (even paid support) so that makes me wary about getting ARC/VAC. Kevin at VAC told me to go to Angie and he wouldn't help either.

@soix, ya gonna look hard at teh don sachs, he gets lots of praise.

@dep14, really impressive you liked the c2700 over the xp22.

@elliottbnecombjr, Luxman is awesome and I'd love to own their TOTL tube pre or c900u. Not too interested in vintage though.

@knighttodd, good thought, will consider

@audioman58, @dmcneilr, ya I got AGD HE9 right now and its a solid preamp, used it for 4 years. Didn't realize their vacuum preamp is that good wow! Beating the evo400 is nuts.

@twodolphins, Atmasphere looks nice for sure.