If you can stretch you $2000 limit, you may want to try out the Hovland preamps. They are simply lush sounding that few can measure upto.
Krell amps with tubed pre-amps
Suggestions and/or experiances with SS/TUBED combination. I own an FPB 200 and looking for tubed pre amp to match. ( $2000.00 used ). I know there is a minor adjustment needed inside all Krell amps if one is to match it with tubed gear. I'm not sure what specs the Krells like seeing in tubed pre amps. ie, impedence, output etc. Thanks!