Need the best tube preamp under 2k any suggestions?

EZ...Musical Design

Musical Design? That is a new one to me, has any one heard one of the Vincent tube designs?

If you can find one either new or used, I suggest the Mystere CA11 tube preamp. Simply awesome equipment for $1,795 new. I own it and love it! It's quiet, has a great sound-stage, basic in design with limited features but beautiful to look at and enjoy. Just my $0.02.

I'M also looking at the PrimaLuna 3 preamp

It would be a serious mistake to overlook Decware. All hand crafted stuff that is way underpriced. As a result, there is a waiting list about 2 - 3 months long for their products.

Check out their Zen triode preamp model CSP2+ (http://www.decware.com/newsite/CSP2.html). I purchased this about 18 months ago, and have since purchased their Zen Torii MkII amp. I am absolutely thrilled each time I turn them on. I know that I sound like a shill for Decware, but they do not advertise and rely upon word-of-mouth. I am no shill. I just think they deserve to thrive.

Davisoly

You may want to consider a Dodd preamp. Gary Dodd makes excellent tube equipment and he has a killer battery preamp with variable gain that would blow away many of the commercial models you are considering. Besides with battery power you don't have to worry about line noise. He can be contacted at doddaudio@live.com and the website is doddaudio.com. Handbuilt preamps and amps of the highest quality. My only affiliation with him is as a satisfied customer. You can do a google search to read the rave reviews.

I have recommended this preamp to a friend of mine, and he truly enjoys the sound in his system, so you're not alone.