Help picking a tube preamp, please


Can you suggest a new tube preamp? This is the kind of thing I'm looking for:

-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension. I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control. This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed. Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used. Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.

Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling.

Thanks much, Ralph
ralpheburns
The Modwright uses a standard ALPS type motorized volume...no steps. I like your idea of skipping the preamp and buying the MSB.
Second the Herron VTSP-3Ar02. Best pre I have owned by far and meets all of your stated criteria. Low or high gain setting combined with volume steps allow very fine gradations of volume adjustment. I'm using very high efficiency speakers and have it in the "low" gain mode and can select exactly the preferred volume for each recording. The Herron makes gorgeous music plain and simple. Give Keith a call and see if you can try one via him or a local dealer. Stellar preamp!
Ok, I'll keep Herron in mind. Tho I think my next step is to try some DAC with volume control. MSB Analog DAC? A Lampizator?
Ralph, Have you thought about Conrad Johnson? I have a CT5 that I believe would meet your criteria. I believe it's the first one of theirs with Teflon capacitors that really tighten the sound from the earlier generations of CJ.
I use it with Shunyata power cords and they may be responsible for some of the control as well, not sure.
Also, it has discrete volume steps (0.5db steps, I believe). Original list was $8k, but used ones should be a lot less.
CJ has replaced it with an ET5, but I haven't heard that so I'm no help on that.