There is a Joule LA 150 Mkll for sale on Agon well within your limit, new it was$5500!!! I'm using this for pre and am very happy, it is uncolored, dynamic and extended in top and bottom. It replaced a C/J Act 2!!!
Looking for a new tube preamp
Currently using a Cary AES DJH preamp with various 6SN7 tubes & NOS EZ81 rectifier. This is an excellent sounding preamp with point-to-point wiring. Looking to upgrade. Would prefer very realistic uncolored preamp, even better than what I have. What can you suggest? Running a McCormack DNA-1, driving Von Schweikert 4.5 speakers. Silver interconnects and speaker wires, multiple turntables and CD/SACD player. I've read some good things about the Shindo Aurieges. Not sure if its output impedence is a good match for the McCormack. Also thought about Modwright. Upper spending limit is under $4k new.