Warm, rich but detailed SS preamp (made you give up tubes)

audioguy85,

I agree Sudgen is great, have owned and own several pieces.  Actually still have an A21SE among others.  However, the OP queried about preamps, so that suggestion might be redirected to the Sugden Masterclass LA-4 which I’m sure is terrific.

Another ridiculously cheap and frighteningly good SS preamp is the ATC newer version.  I own that too.  It is quite good without being clinical.  Doubtful anything SS will quite pull off the warmth and acoustical properties of well designed AND executed tube gear.

If you are truly after the warm, spatial sound of tubes, go McIntosh and be done with it.

Don't go around i circles with the same old brands, Europeans have been working hard and not just on their Cars

Do yourself a favour and listen to AVM from Germany, they have both Solid state and Hybrid. I have the Ovation PA8.2 with Tube output and I've never heard anything so musically satisfying anywhere else. 

I also sell SPL (also German made / coincidence...) Solid State that has amazing harmonic richness and the best 3D imaging I have heard. It's crystal clear, not to be mistaken for lean, it has great controlled tuneful bottom end as well. All SPL gear work on 120VOLTs circuits ! Unique to them.

Going back to AVM and their Proprietary Tube (T803) output. I have not been a tube guy ever before, too many shortcomings for me, but when I heard these from AVM I was blown away. The best of both worlds!!!
They only use tubes on their low level outputs or inputs on some of their amplifiers. They designed their own Tubes because they didn't like the issues that I don't like with tubes. 

Yes I'm a dealer but I'm very hard to please, ask the women in my life - LOL

Great thoughts guys. Any fans of c900u or accuphase?

Another + for Sutherland.  I'm using the N1 preamp and it is stunning.  A true straight wire with gain.  If you can find one you will never look back.  It is full featured and awesome.  Engaging in spades!
Otherwise, if you can live with the compromises, Klyne...as roxy54 so simply stated.