To repair your Golden Tube Audio preamp you may want to try contacting Loc Vu-Quoc. He is apparently a specialist with those components and does modifications as well. I don't have contact information, but you might contact the person running this current Audiogon ad to find out how to get in touch with him.
As far as your question, I'd completely agree with Mrjstark: That call has entirely to do with a combination of personal preferences and system synergy. There is no such thing as a universal "best" tube preamp. There are many good ones out there. I can't tell you what would work for you, but I'd check out getting your current one repaired if you like it.
As far as your question, I'd completely agree with Mrjstark: That call has entirely to do with a combination of personal preferences and system synergy. There is no such thing as a universal "best" tube preamp. There are many good ones out there. I can't tell you what would work for you, but I'd check out getting your current one repaired if you like it.