Tube Pre-amp Suggestions.

First, I'd say "Tubes". Having a tube front to your solid-state amp is an oft mentioned general, good idea here on audiogon....and I agree..along with great hybrid designs of Modright, Unison, Croft,  AMR, yup, hybrid. Introduce some tubes, and, I would add, 6SN7's (or 6SL7's) from your boutique builder of your choice, for his point to point designs - very important for "aire". I prefer a minimalist. design. Have fun.

Ok, made in China. But this preamp brought magic alive in my system. I've had it for over 2 years now with narry a glitch. Miles above any preamp in the same category.

http://www.audio-gd.com/HE/V1HE/V1HEEN.htm

@invalid 

 space tech lab has many balanced preamps, some of his offerings use power tubes.

These look interesting, thanks. There is not a lot of information about them anywhere, can you elaborate at all?