Tube Line Stage around $5k

Oh, did I mention , most importantly reliable.

I was looking at the Rhumba....  looks like it got many good reviews from both critics and users

I'm probably keeping my cj for a second system,  I think it still sounds great but looking for more.

was thinking ET 6 used too....tough choice as it will be the heart of my system .   

I am seriously considering Rhumba 

i tried to look at the McIntosh C22 but the only dealer close to me was. Magnolia.  They had a room with a $100k at least system and an end cap for lack of a better word with an end cap with a C49 and 275.   Not even connected.    Sad.  

Thanks but nothing against PL, in fact I auditioned my speakers on a PL amp, but I am only interested in Made in USA.    

So to reiterate,  nothing against anything like PL, in fact I think its really good stuff.  

I have an OPPO player , built in China, great unit.    I just happen to like made in USA.... I have stuff made in Germany and Canada too eh...

So thanks to everyone for their great suggestions.   I called Backert and spoke to Andy.   Picked the phone up right away.   I appreciated his time  so thanks to those guys

I actually pulled the trigger on a New In Box......  Zesto Leto Line Stage.    I am taking the chance that while NIB everything is OK which I'm sure it will be .  

Before clicking Buy , I called Zesto just to see what the hourly rate is just in case DOA and its pretty reasonable.   So fingers crossed.....

"In that case your myopia prevents you from looking at Nagra, Wavac, Kondo and Audionote"

Not at all.... those are all beyond my means. $5k is stretching it

I guess what I should have said was I don’t want anything made in China

I really appreciate all the replies.  I am 54 ,  I need a "destination " preamp ...  meaning it will be good until my final destination 

Sure, all great gear. I’m a blue collar guy with white collar tastes. Only with audio... and Im not snobby.... good gear is good gear ...other than that I’m pretty low maintenance.... hear that single female audio lovers in the Boston area ????

It will soon be paired with a Toolshed Amps 300b amp.   Its being built right now. That should be an awesome combo.

Oh yeah !   Can't wait.....

Thanks again  for suggestions,  I bought a NIB original Zesto Leto for a good price.  Has everything I could want , dual RCA out two XLR in and dual XLR out , remote , HT bypass.  

I paid a lot less than $5k for the Zesto. It is six + years old but I'm gonna roll the dice with it being new , sealed box ,  Sorry but I would never buy another VTL again, especially used....   horrible customer service

Received the Zesto Leto and have been listening a few days.  Incredible sounding,  dynamic but has great detail,  rhythm and pace.   Actually sounds like I got a whole new system, it's staggering.     I needed a little help from Zesto and they are first class all the way.   Its great that I can use balanced gear with it too.  Best bass of any preamp I've used  or owned .  Amazing clarity....  zero self noise.  Hit pause and turn it up louder than you would normally listen and still, black dark silence . Worth every penny .

Thanks.   I hate throwing all kinds of superlatives around,  but it really is as good as Stereophile, TAS,  Positive Feedback and others have said.   Its so lifelike ,  you get a sense of the recording space.  Unreal.

Hard to believe it was sitting in storage all these years,  It was from a dealer that passed away as I understand it.  I  have a few copies of the original color brochure/ Spec Sheets that were in the box , if any  original Leto owners would like a copy to go with their owners manual just PM me.