Tubeyist sounding Pre-amp?

tubegroover -

Actually, I'm a tube lover.  I own a tube phono stage with a FET mc front end and fully tubed line stage preamp.   Herron VTPH-2 and Herron VTSP-3A (r03).  They are very wonderful units.  Vanishingly low distortion and coloration.  Not "tubey" sounding, not anything sounding.  Just transparent to the music. 

I do not like components that add coloration or distortion to the music.  They subtract from the musical presentation.  Your tube "warmth" or "body" as you describe is a distortion, a coloration and not true to the source. 

My original statements apply.  I built and owned Dynaco, and owned early Audio Research tube gear.  It was good in its day, mostly because almost all the solid state equipment in those days was so bad. 

There is little to choose between in the very high end as it relates to tube or solid state gear.  I chose the Herron equipment because I could not find anything better, could not even find an equal to it regardless of price.

Tubey or not tubey...that is the question?

I've got a hybrid integrated (Rogue with tube pre, class D power) amp and sometimes I wish it sounded warmer and more sumptuous.  But I don't want to sacrifice definition and clarity.  I'm guessing that's possible at a higher price point.  Is it found at all in mid-fi?

@bpoletti-  I'm of the exact same perspective, with regard to listening tastes.  However: as one that's been in the business of helping others either produce their own, or- enjoy the music of others, for a few decades now; I've never felt it my place to adjust another's listening preferences.  Even if it's diametrically opposed to my own.   I like to leave them smiling!

@toastado- If you read the info in my posts, the British flavor and sonic qualities of the tubes mentioned extend across their lines of nine-pin miniatures(12AU7, 12AT7, etc). Try a pair of Mullard( 1960s date coded, Blackburn) 12AU7/ECC82 valves(if that’s a Sphinx). OR- If you’re feeling especially ritzy: 7316 Selected Grade early Amperex/Philips made, RARE D-getters(1950’s date coded, Holland). Their halo-gettered, 1960’s 7316 isn’t any slouch either. They may be the last tubes you have to buy for your Rogue. ie: (https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tubes-amperex-holland-7316-ecc82-12au7-medical-grade-long-plate-d-...) for the pics only.