What is as tube sounding as Conrad today?


Looking to buy a tube preamp for my Class D Tripath amplifier. It boils down to (from most people) Conrad Johnson older PV series as being the most tube sounding preamp. Or some people who don’t like that sound call it dark. I surely don’t want dark as if you put blanket over your speakers but lush/warm/romantic sound is what I like. Can I buy a used preamp ($300 budget) sounds like Conrad PV line? Don’t care too much if it is from China as I had pretty good sounding stuff from China before.
celo
Argghh I wrote a long response and thanks to Audiogon deleted all of it!

@roberjerman: I hear you! I have tried almost all Class D chips. They have something that I do not like in the highs which I cannot pinpoint. However, TA2022 chip from Tripath (only this chip) is different for me. It has the closest sound to Pass Labs Aleph 3 which I once owned (I feel weird using Nelson Pass’ name in the same sentence with Tripath but this is what I hear). I think Sphinx has Hypex UCD180 boards (they are from NL, MAYBE their boards are made in China or at least most parts are from China) and I have heard their "better" Ncore NC400 and I still liked the TA2022’s sound better. My brother who actually owns the NC400s fully agrees with me but he still likes his Pass XA 30.5 better.

@ebm No, I have not seen it sold for $300 but have seen it sold for $350 (fully working). You just need to wait. Actually, today someone purchased a PV-5 below $500 (no not $499, below that)! So, yes it is possible.
Thanks to all of you for the responses!

I did buy a CJ PV-5 today with extra tubes (never installed new tubes). Including shipping, PayPal fees, etc. I didn’t pay $300 but paid a fair price where I didn’t have to stretch my budget too much. 

Can’t wait to receive it!

Please keep us posted.  I've read about the PV5 but never heard one.  I'm sure it will sound great!  I was also going to recommend a Dynaco PAS2 or PAS3 at that price range...... 

I also agree, I think all of these chip amps need tube preamps to go with them.
@lou_setriodes I don’t want to be one of those people who says I will keep you posted and then never writes back. I don’t promise but I will keep you posted. Though, it will be a long while (probably end of August maybe later) since I am constantly away from home this summer.