Which Tube Preamp under $10K?


I am seeking to replace my Audio Research LS16. $10K is a hard upper limit which must include a phono stage. It matters not if it is built-in or a separate component, but It should be decent. So, in terms of a new line stage for $8500 or less, I'm currently considering The CJ CT5, one of the VACs, the VTL 6.5 and perhaps the BAT 31SE or not yet released ARC LS26. I am driving a pair of Bel Canto Evo 2 Gen II monoblocks which are driving B&W Nautilus 803s. I like the tube sound, maybe even on the sweet side for some tastes. The older CJ gear has always been a touch dark for me, but the newer stuff is said to have lightened up considerably. So, speed, dimensionality and a tubelike upper midrange are where I want to go with this purchase. All comments and suggestions welcome.
pscialli
Anupmc,
Do you have any information about the VTL 6.5 It's being announced by dealers, but I haven't been able to find it on the VTL site. It should be a trickle-down version of the 7.5 or so I gather.
In that price range, if a fully balanced system, the Blue Circle BC-3000 MKII with the new GZPZ power supply and balanced ins/outs deserves a listen. It's very impressive.
Both the Hovland and the Nagra preamps are excellent. I think either would be an excellent candidate, and both are available with quality phono. I own a supratek Syrah which I would also wholeheartedly recommend a supratek product, but there is a long wait for a new one. My syrah has an excellent tube line stage, amazing tube phono stage, remote controlled, top notch build and looks for $2500 retail. (I think the chenin is around $2900 now). not too many competitors in that price range
Wyetech Opal. All the benefits of a SS pre -- speed, deep tight bass, detail, wide bandwith -- with the soundstaging and naturalness of a tube pre. I think it goes for about $8500 new. You will hardly ever see them on the used market. I replaced a Hovland HP100 with the Opal. The Hovland is excellent in its price range, but the Opal is an entirely different dimension. It also is beautiful with incredible build quality.

Neal