Tube preamp with great pace?Cary, Supratek, etc.?


I am thinking seriously of moving to a tube preamp with the hope of breathing more life into my system. But I love the rhythmic core of music - call it PRAT, call it whatever - it is what grabs me, involves me, and keeps me up way, way too late listing to old LPs. I am afraid that without good, acurate pace, I don't care how "airy," "organic" or "blooming" the sound is, it just isn't musical to me. But if it can be combined with great pace, the tube sound is exactly what I am looking to add to my system.

So far, I've only been able to borrow a Rogue Magnum 88 to try in my system, and it was just too slow. I am considering a Cary SLP 98P, a Supratek Chenin, or perhaps a Herron VTSP1A/166. If anyone has heard these or any other tube preamp with good pace, please comment. Comparisons between them would be particularly welcome. My price range right now is 2K to 3K used, but if you know of something that is wonderful in this regard that costs more, I still want to hear about it.

There are few tube options available for me to audition in my area, and so generous Audiogoners, your input is greatly appreciated.

P.S. If you live in south-eastern Michigan and have a tube amp you are willing to let me hear, I offer in exchange lunch at the Ann Arbor restaurant of your choice.
newmanoc
I second Czbbcl's choices. C-J may make the best, heavy on the may, preamps around. I bought originally a PV 11 and after ten years upgraded to a Premier 16LSII, it is strictly magical. The Premier 17 goes for 2500 =/- 500 on average and is also a good deal. If you can handle the 4.5k or so for the Prmier 16LSII, which is actually a baby ART I would say go for it.
I agree with the above, c-j pres using the trickle down technology of the ART are simply musical!
I greatly appreciate the input. Many have recommended Conrad Johnson, but few have commented specifically on the issue of speed and pace in these preamps. If someone could chime in on that point I would be grateful.
ARC sp-11 MKII and CATS SL definitely have what you are looking for in terms of pace and liveliness.
Very tough choice anyway, Cary Herron Supratek are excellent choices you can't go wrong with eiter of them.
Good luck.