Preamplifier, in need of input


I am in the market for a new preamp - my 17 year old Joule Electra is going to my son). My music preference is eclectic but tends to focus more on rock and soft rock.  So I am looking for a system sound that is detailed (but not analytic or dry), dynamic, wide/deep sound stage strong bass handling.  Price target is $10,000 and must have balanced outputs.  Preference for tubes over solid state.   I live overseas in a place where the “dealers” carry very limited stock.  So there are limited opportunities to demo new gear ... in fact you have to put down a hefty deposit before the dealer will order from the manufacturer.  I bought Pass Labs 60.8 a few months ago.  Got lucky I guess ... relaxed sound but detail and bass is there (speakers Avantgarde Uno) I have done what I can to read reviews and attend HiFi shows.  Of course concerned about system matching to achieve the sound goals.  I came up with a list of preamps.  Any input/experience you might have with these would help a lot: Pass Labs XP22, VTL TL 5.5, Rogue RP 9, Audio Note M3, Audio Research LS28SE, Conrad Johnson ET7 S2.  The Pass Labs is tempting as it should system match but does not check the box on price or tubes.
chilli42
You really need to hear the new LS28SE from Audio Research, I heard it in a very familiar system and it was stunning. I believe it is easily the finest preamp in its price range, BUT, whatever you do, you need to hear it for yourself. None of us on this forum have your cables, components, speakers, or room. Cheers!
An integrated amp is an interesting idea.   I don’t have a lot of experience with HIFi but I can imagine some of the benefits of an integrated amp .... certainly if all things are equal.  I will look into that further as an option.  Will need to validate if in fact integrated amps 95% of separates.  It’s something I did not really consider.  Thanks  for that.
Big money for a preamp alone. Integratd amps are very close to separates. For this amount o guess you get an integrated that is maybe 95% of a top separate system. 
@milpai I’ve tried Radiotechnique 12AU7, Amperex 7308 and Tungsram 7DJ8. I’m in no rush to spend more to try to find something better than the Psvanes.
Don Sachs will custom his new line pre with balanced outputs.  It is my front end with full range horn speakers.  He will tune the outputs to your amps input impedance which gives outstanding coupling and bass plus a wide sound stage.  After living with my Don Sachs pre for a while I sold my Pass, PS-BHK, and ARC-ref6se.  It's that good.
Both the 868 and 912 pre's from EAR-Yoshino have two pair each of single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs, the balanced via EAR designer Tim de Paravicini's well-known excellent transformers, wired in accordance with AES 48. Tim did the electronics for Pink Floyd's studio in London, as well as Kav Alexander's Water Lily Records' tube analog tape recorder, perhaps the finest machine in the world. Review of the 912 by Art Dudley in his Stereophile column a few years back. He loved it, the only pre he had heard that he liked as much as his Shindo.
+1 on Audio Note M3 the M3 Phono Balanced has balanced in and outputs both and sounds amazing.
@earthtones,
The Psvane 12AU7 are something special. Which other tunes did you compare them to? Any NOS?
I would also add a Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3, since it ticks all the boxes. But not sure if they have a dealer in your location.
Audio Note M3. Uses balanced input transformers, but it may be a single-ended design. I’ve been looking to purchase used.

I recommend adding the PS Audio BHK Signature preamp to your list, for much less than your target price. As good as the XP-22 is, which I had for a year, the BHK sounds more fleshed out and gives up only a minuscule amount of leading edge transient attack and low bass slam. I don’t think the BHK would compare as favorably if it did not have its highly regarded solid state as opposed to tube output stage. I ended up preferring the stock Psvane 12au7 tubes over some others and some 6 volt types. I can’t speak for the Rogue RP-9, but the RP-7 fell well short of either unit in my system.