Best 3 tube preamps under $18000?


I will be pleased to know your opinion, about which can be the 3 best tube preamplifiers, with a price, NEW, under $18.000. I want to use them with SS amplifiers.
emigene
I know it is not tubed, but a worthy of consideration. Steve McCormack VRE-1 Preamp.
The BAT Rex is pretty special! The most natural mid-range I've heard to date. Hope you find what you like.

best,
Tom
VAS II, about $5000. Classic design, top of the line materials. Yes, it cannot beat the ARC unit, but hey, it sounds great and is a super value.
The ARC Ref-5 is definitely a nice pre and I would only recommend it if you can live with the fact that Audio Research will come out with a Ref 6 in about 3 months and that your ARC 5 will not be upgradable.