Tube Preamps.....

For the best transparency without missing the best tube qualities (that are not always here when we have a tube item in hands): deep soundstage, harmonic developpement without dry signs, I would suggest  the Coincident Statement Linestage. I have one and could compare it directly to AR ref5se and my ex Rogue Hera 2, the Coincident is without doubt better than these two pretenders,  better transparency and fluidity. 

For a really good quality/price ratio, and if you don’t use usb input for your front digital audio gear (as the usb input is not up to date), you can find a second hand Ayon Skylla2 dac that is a dac with two 6h30 tubes per channel as output stage, tube retified, with three different gain ratio and volume control, so it’s a real dac with tube preamp inside. Beautiful association with solid state power amps that would be a bit too much on the solid state side of sound: excellent with Accuphase, too gentle for Passlabs.

I'm surprised no one's mentioned the Linear Tube Audio MZ2, a very fine little 6SN7 based preamp with separate linear power supply.  I got a Freya, and was quite happy with it, until I tried the LTA, and have not gone back (Freya for sale).  And that is before doing any tube rolling, which I look forward to.  BTW, well below your budget.

Don ivey

The original poster has not stated wheather or not he wants a phono section as well.. it makes a difference in price for sure.

@doni -  I had a brief listen to the LTA MZ2, and was very impressed.  With the remote, separate power supply etc, it is still only $2300. Line stage only, and only two inputs if I recall.  I am curious how it would stack up against a used conrad johnson or ARC, which could be had in the 3k range.

@chuckjonez - Don't the more recent CJ's have remotes, too? I have kicked around used CJs, but it has been decades since I listened to one.  Are there any specific models in the OP's price range that would be at the top of your list?

+1 LTA MZ2.  I love mine.  It now comes with three inputs or you can opt for a second set of outputs.  LTA's build team is flexible.  It is so much more transparent and 3D sound producing than my prior Cary tube preamp (also 6SN7 based), which I liked a lot until a friend brought over his MZ2.  No contest.  Ordered the next day.  Quickly sold the Cary and I only miss the pretty red chassis it had.