speakers that are a little laid back in the mids

I would look to your room or components first. I also have heard great things about the Aric Audio preamp, but have yet to hear. You could try old stock tubes in your preamp but this is can be an expensive experiment and usually more of a nudge than a push. 

guys, my equipment has change dramatically. I am now using audionet stereo amp with a audionet g2 pre. Speakers I have tried. Totem Wind, the better one, Magico A3, Verity Otello, and countless others. Over the time I have used Bat tube amp and pre and also Cary tube pre and ss amp. I have tried three different Aerial speakers. So you can see I shuffle in and out frequently. I would like to get off this wheel.

You’ve had some excellent speakers, and I’ve heard models from all of them and none sounded like the vocals were too upfront or on top of me. If they all don’t sound right to you I suspect there’s something going on with your room/setup. What you’re describing sounds like it could be that your speakers are too close to the back wall and pulling them out further could achieve a more desirable balance and a deeper soundstage. What speakers do you have now, and how far are they from the back/side walls? Also, are you currently using any room treatments?

QLN speakers are super laid back in the mids, as are Sonus Faber, B&W D series (although the highs are forward) and Spendor Classics. 

I am using room treatment. I have some behind the speakers and different treatment along the side walls. I'll try moving the speakers out from the wall. I've always used them in about the same place. Maybe That's my issue. Currently I use Verity Otellos.

thanks