Reasonably priced preamplifier

gopaljeen

$7K to $8K will buy a brilliant preamp, and some of these are as good as you will find anywhere. They are definitely "different from the herd", stunningly hand built point to point wired, and use the highest quality components available. They are built by passionate and exacting designers, and are works of art.

Aric Audio Motherlode XL if you need XLR or Motherlode II if not. Don Sachs/Lynn Olson designed Raven preamp (sold through Spatial Audio). Supratek Cabernet 6SN7 or Grange.....all can be purchased for $6,500 or less.

For transparency, I own the Aric Audio Motherlode XL.....and it is extraordinary with both tube and solid state amps.

I have found pre's do not contribute as much dollar for dollar for me than amplifiers or speakers. The Benchmark and SPL Elector are both very neutral and quiet. New both can be had brand new for half what your budget is.

Rogue RP-1 ($1,795). 12AU7 buffer rounds out sound. Great phono stage if that's important to you. If you want a few more bells and whistles, check out the RP-3, RP-5 and RP-9

Used Zesto Leto Ultra II.   Exceptional sounding preamp.   

You are in the sweet spot for a used Allnic L 7000.

I’ve had a L 3000 then L 7000 and now L 8000.

The search ends with the L 8000.

 Check out the reviews , they are very accurate.