Tube preamp for under $3000

Vincent SA-T8.

Tube pre-amp. Fully balanced. Remote.

Dynamic, transparent, superb dimensionality, massive soundstage, fast transients, has great ability to draw you into the music.

Own 4 pre-amps and heard many more. Competes with pre-amps many times it's cost.

Read Dick Olsher's review in Absolute sound, says it all,"An absolute steal at it's asking price."Nothing else at this price point comes close".

BAT is the worst sounding......Dry, unemotional, and very forgettable highs. On the other hand (and I'm speaking of the 6H30 based BAT's) the BAT has great solid bass and of course they are built like a battleship and the remote could be used as a weapon.

Having had an Aesthetix Calypso, I would not recommend it. I thought it was great at first but as my system and ears matured I could clearly hear the faults. Most notably noise. Not from the tubes, as I rolled many. The best way to describe it is when it's stated "a black background". The Calypso does not have it especially when you hear your system without the noise.
There are many good preamplifiers out there. In your price range I would encourage you to take a look at an Audio Horizon. It has all the bells and whistles including a remote. 
Good luck and enjoy

"BAT is the worst sounding......Dry, unemotional, and very forgettable highs. On the other hand (and I'm speaking of the 6H30 based BAT's) "

Funny, that is exactly the opposite of the feedback I've received from many members of my local audio club. Paired with a van den Hul Colibri/VPI, Lamm amps, Nola speakers I've been told that treble (e.g. solo violin) is some of the most lifelike many've heard.

The point is so many of these conclusions need to be taken in the context of the system. In most systems I've heard the BAT preamps would err towards the darker, slightly warmer sound hence being a good match with neutral transparent gear like the Colibri. YMMV Cheers,
Spencer

My BAT VK-300SE integrated (6H30 front end/SS power) is wonderful.