Here's a summary of my story. I had owned, used and enjoyed Naim equipment for several decades. When I got my Quad 63s and had a friend over he said "I wonder how these would sound with tubes..."
Another friend had always run tube equipment. At one time I'd been using a Dynakit ST-70 and enjoyed it a lot.
I started asking around on various fora about tube preamps. On one board (I don't even remember which one it was) someone who seemed to know what he was talking about recommended that I look at preamps based around the 6SN7 tube. I think he suggested a Don Sachs.
With little understanding of what I was even trying to learn I started to read up on the various forums. I was getting ready to buy a Don Sachs preamp when I ran across the "Preamp Deal of the Century" thread here.
After much reflection I decided to order a Supratek. It was the first new, full price piece of equipment, other than phono cartridges, I'd bought in many years. It was worth every penny, even though it is the most expensive thing I've ever bought. I've never, ever had a moment of buyer's remorse. Not even a particle.
On other threads you might notice this comment, which now kind of represents my equipment philosophy. I want hand-made, technically superb equipment built by fanatics. Sole proprietors, ideally. Boutique-type stuff. Or hard-core dedicated experts and technical geniuses. I am less interested in equipment built by companies run by egotistical promoters who get a lot of press. I'm not saying their equipment isn't good. I'm just talking about my preferences.