What are the more subtle sounding tube preamps?

Hi Robertsong,
Rogue Audio best overall Value 
http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_RP7.htm

Hello, Robertsong.

I'm biased because I own the first preamp I'm going to suggest. Take a gander at the Don Sachs Model 2 6SN7 preamp. Depending on what caps, tubes and connections you select, I think the price will land somewhere between $2500 and $3300. You're buying direct from the manufacturer, so there's no doubling of the price by a dealer. http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html

For a bit lower price, look at Tubes4hifi.com where you'll find Models SP9, SP12, SP13, and SP14. Don's preamp in my first paragraph is an improved version of the SP14.   http://www.tubes4hifi.com/pre12.htm

My third suggestion is made by Steve Sammett of SAS Audio Labs. His 11A preamp may well be as good as Don's preamp, but I have not listened to it yet. http://www.sasaudiolabs.com/pream11a.htm

Enjoy your search!

Michael

I love my Odyssey Candella tube pre.  It is also a hybrid which reacts very well to tube rolling.  Great performance for the money.  The only downfall is no phono stage. 

CJ Classic is definitely on the warmer and darker end of the spectrum. If you want rich and organic but not dark try Audio Note.

+1 for the Odyssey Candela, more preamp for less money may not exist. Tube rolling will set it up for just the sound that works for you.  You'll have to spend 5x the price to beat it.  Pair it with an SS amp and you get tube smooth with great control and definition.   I'm loving it with cryo'd Mullards and a Khartago Extreme. 
what a deal!
Support from Odyssey is first class...