Best tube pre-amp below US $ 10.000,00 ?

A used CJ ART II.

I would say a new Blue Circle BC3000 mk2.

Read some of the reviews, I think you might like to give it a try.

www.bluecircle.com

Another option would be a CAT pre-amp.

Happy Listening,
Nick

CJ 16LSII
Thor 1000
Wright Sound - anyone of them for the money

BRIAN, how would you describe the differences between Hovland and CAT ?

Wc65mustang: would you say that the Grange is in the same league as the Hovland, the Ayre, the Aesthetix or the CAT ?
Is there a big difference between the Supratek Cortese and the Grange?

Frankpiet I sure it's in the same "league" but I've never heard any of them in a direct A/B comparison with my gear which in the ONLY way to know; the bottom line is, it depends on what YOU like. Don't be concerned with reviews and retailers where agendas abound. I've owned ARC, CJ, Dayton Wright, Pass, Harmon Kardon, Dynaco, and Aesthetix preamps over the last 40 years. The Grange is my favorite and more than likely my last preamp.
With regards to Grange/Cortese, again I've never heard an A/B comparison. However there are quite a few Cortese owners here on Audiogon with sophisticated systems who love it. IMO (and this may start a ruckus here) it's difficult to purchase more for your money when you buy a Supratek. There is no retail intermediary adding 40%-50% to the purchase price. Lastly, there are very few used Suprateks on Audiogon. Why? Owners tend to keep them. If you happen to see one posted it generally sells very quickly.
ALL OF THE ABOVE IMO