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
Hello again A'goners!

Still interested in what y'all have to say about a preamp; I'm been searching around for options. Recall that my sole source is SoTM USB digital, and any preamp I get must have small-step remote volume control to fit my music library and lifestyle. I have a wonderfully sounding Hegel P30 preamp for sale that does not have small remote volume steps. I’m seeking a well-toned tube preamp that has articulate bass grip. I also now have a library of DSD files so might consider replacing my PCM-only DAC in the process. Here’s my current list of preamps and DAC+pre’s to audition:

Aesthestix Calypso Signature (perhaps Callisto?)
Vinnie Rossie LIO, arriving in January. Shootout planned then!
Audio Research REF5SE
Grace M905 DAC w/ volume
MSB Analog DAC w/ volume
Auralic Vega – DAC only

Here’s some others that haven’t made the short list but could:
Lampizator 4 w/ 64 step preamp. But apparently requires manual DSD/PCM switching.
Allnic L3000 $12k 41 steps, 14 or 20db gain
Purity Reference 1db steps, $12.5k; also single-ended Foundation model coming soon
Balanced Audio Technology VK-33SE? 0.5db steps
Herron VTSP-3A(r02) - funny but a seller of this pointed me to the MSB Analog DAC.
Zesto Leto – TAD speakers with these sounded best of my short tour of RMAF. Gaudy styling!
VTL TL5.5II?

Correct me if I’m wrong on any of these. So many well-reputed preamps without any volume remote:
First Sounds
Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe $6K
Vacuum State
Thomas Mayer’s 10Y Linestage
Shindo

Other remote-controlled preamps are out because they do not have small steps:
Audio Horizon TP2.3 Linestage (PCM only DAC?)
Cary
Atma-Sphere
Musica Bella
Music First Audio
Nagra Jaz
Prima Luna Dialogue Premium
Thoress
Audio Valve Eklipse; motorized Alps pot
Don't know about the current crop but my VK3i had 99 steps and a remote. Some consider them a bit on the dark side. VAC pre-amps have remote and are among the best out there. I do not believe that mine had discrete steps.
Ralph, just so you know, on our preamp (Atma-Sphere) the steps are very close together at low volume settings for more control with high output digital sources.

Regarding bass: with a patented direct coupled output the MP-1 is the king of the hill, bar none. Disclaimer: manufacturer.