Tube preamp options


My system from the preamp on consists of a rouge rp-7, rogue m180 monoblocks, and vandersteen quatro wood speakers. My main source is a brinkmann Bardo through a Rogers PA-2 phono pre. It all sounds great. But there's that itch, you know? I get tremendous soundstage but not that much depth. Clarity is great, mids are nice, bass is excellent. But it doesn't quite have that in the room sound that I'm looking for. The RP7 sounded too solid state and analytical for me out of the box with the stock JJ tubes so I've done extensive rolling. Been through all sorts of NOS tubes and landed on amperex as they seem to have the best balance of warmth and clarity. My thought is, maybe I can find a pre that has those attributes out of the gate without all the rolling. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of being able to tailor the sound with trying different tubes but I feel like maybe there's a brand out there who's house sound I like better. I haven't listened to anything more yet but brands that are on the list to check out are Backert labs, maybe a used ARC Ref 6, VTL, VAC. There are a million little boutique brands tho and I'm asking what people have heard in the 10k price range, new or used, that might be a good fit for me and why. 

Thanks! 

rmdmoore

I’ve tried 4 preamps with my current system (Krell 575 XD mono blocks, they’re excellent, and Wilson Benesch Endeavor), CJ, AR, Carter and Don Sachs. Nothing compared to Sachs, and he’s a good guy to work with. 

Everybody who mentioned Don Sachs got me really interested. More than one of you said it bested ARC or CJ or crazy expensive stuff. I've emailed him and gone through my system. For what it costs, it seems stupid to not give it a try. I'm on his list and will probably see product in the spring. 

Regarding Sachs: You’ll be happy, I am sure. I ended up buying his preamp like you, so many recommendations on Audiogon to my question. 

There is an American brand called Audible Illusions their pre amp is the best pre amp i ever listened after concert fidelity pre amp.

http://www.audibleillusions.com/products/l3-line-stage-preamplifier/

my vote would be for the VTL 6.5. Fully differential and you will get dynamics and imaging like you have not heard before. They are bit pricy new but you can pick up one used for a pretty reasonable sum.