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
Hi folks,

I first considered the C-J... they are hybrid... I was told they had a particular coloration.

Still, since I have a single source, a digital library, I could consider a DAC with a good pre out. Is that an oxymoron? Bad move? I email one owner of the MSB Analog DAC who loved the sound but did have reliability problems.

I did order at no risk the new Vinnie Rossie LIO; has a tube stage and DAC with off-grid supply. Might it be a step down for me? It will be here around the first of the year, so I ought to get some other preamps in for comparison. Maybe the ET5, maybe Herron. Nobody mention Aesthetix...
Thanks Atmasphere, I did realise I would need balanced outs. The Audio Horizon does offer that as an option.
Ralph-

considering you own SF speakers, I would consider the ARC line or Rogue Audio line. Both lines are sonic matches for your loudspeakers.

Additionally, the Aesthetix are very fine products, I do not know about pairing w/ the QuickSilver?

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!