Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile

I agree totally with jjj666. It is extremely difficult or should I say almost impossible to determine an answer to your question without all factors taken into consideration always a concern of mine in these "best of" type threads, too many variables. I agree the amp is going to really be the thing to look at in addressing your query and the preamp should be considered in how it might mate with the amp, just MHO. What you are getting here for the most part is "what is my favorite preamp" cause some of the ones I'm familiar with listed are not what you are asking for.

Hi, Nightfall,
Just because you have $XXXX doesn't mean you need to spend all of it. I would investigate Don Sachs Consulting's 6SN7-based line pre-amp. Don's in Nelson, B.C. His no-frills unit starts at $1800 (US) and is based on Roy Mottram's hugely successful SP-14 line pre-amp, with better parts and 48-step volume control. Add all the bells & whistles, including a remote, even better caps (Mundorf, Dueland & Jupiters) you're looking at about $3,000. I own one and it will be my last. Don is a delight to deal with. Take the $3,000 I've saved you and re-cap your power amp(s) and upgrade the driver tubes.

You may want to take a look at Decware in East Peoria IL. There is a very good website. Steve has an exceptional preamp that is reasonably priced. All hand made with point to point wiring and lifetime warranty although you will probably never need to use it. Also many of his amps have a volume control and are very good without using a preamp. Good luck!

Whitestix - Is the Shuguang Treasure CV-181-Z a direct replacement for the 6SN7 in any circuit that uses that tube (I have a DeHavilland Ultraverve which uses one 6SN7)?

I was speaking with Jeff Wells of Wells Audio, at length, earlier tonight. Turns out that he has two preamps coming out this summer which he said would produce world class sound paired with my existing Wells power amplifier. I think, at this point, I'll probably wait to check those out before I purchase anything else in terms of a preamp. At least barring some miraculous deal on one of those discussed here.

My sincere thanks to everyone for their advice and recommendations, all information is greatly appreciated. I've done a great deal of research based on the input and am well armed for making a preamp decision when I pull the trigger.