Who makes great active preamps ? Tube or solid state or hybrid.

@twoleftears 
+1.

Backert Labs changed my perception of "active" preamp. Hard to believe that an active can be so transparent and dynamic at the same time.

I've been using the Veloce Lithio 2.0 for some time. Although no longer marketed, Vytas still supports it. He did an upgrade for me shortly after I got to Texas a couple years ago, different batteries, some other changes. I never tried it with a standard 6H30, have been using NOS DR Reflecktors- it is pretty stunning. I feel no need to change. It has the midrange magic of the Lamm L2 Reference but more information at the frequency extremes. 
I think there are lots of good preamps and line stages out there. 

Audio Note. Or a custom designed  preamp by Aldo at Deja Vu Audio.

The new dual chassis VTL is superb
+++ for Jim White at Aesthetix
ARC always in the hunt, love my ref5se
the Backert is also hyper affordable

sleeper in the USA but Brinkmann doing some great things....

in a fire and forget SS the Ayre KX-R is pretty amazing

Audio Research, Allnic, Moon, BAT, VTL