Modwright's lower priced line stage (9.0, IIRC) would come it at under that $$. Not exactly the "tubiest" of tube pres but pretty neutral and you get great customer service to boot (not knocking any of the other manufacturers but just noting my experience.)
Tube preamp
I'm currently using a Dared SL2000A preamp to feed my audiosector gainclone solid state amp. I really love the this hybrid setup, but I've been getting the upgrade bug lately and I think that the Dared is the weakest link in the system and am looking to upgrade to better tube preamp under $1500 used or new. Right now the contenders are:
Rogue 99
quicksilver linestage
aes ae-3 mkii
mapletree
any other suggestions?
Rogue 99
quicksilver linestage
aes ae-3 mkii
mapletree
any other suggestions?