Best preamp for 2k-3k

Used Aesthetix Calypsos can be had for well under $3K. Hard to beat, IMHO.

Aesthetix Calypso is the best I've owned. Comes in near the mid-point of your budget with NOS tubes (I recommend Amperex white label 6922's & either Telefunken 12AX7's or Mullard CV4004 platinums).

I HAVE SEEN A FEW CONRAD JOHNSON PREMIER 16LSII'S FOR 3000-3200 IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS.

I have to say it is the most beautiful preamp I have heard to date in my limited experience.

Shindo Aurieges. Could very well be your last preamp upgrade.

The preamp you choose may depend on what is available, and the asking price. If I were looking for a preamp, I would watch the ads for one of a group i could live with, and when one at a good (low) price comes along, buy it.
I have currently three preamps, a new Bryston BP-26, a bought used VAC Standard, and a used Audio Research Sp-15. I paid half what someone is currently asking for a SP-15.. just two years ago. So deals are out there.
I would watch for a Conrad Johnson, or an Audio Research. I am sure other recommendations are out there. But these are the two biggest names in a tube preamp. The Conrad brand in general is more tubey, and the ARC less tubey sounding.
The Sonic Frontier is going to be harder to find, unless lucky, as fewer made, and fewer for sale.