transistor pre with the sound of tubes


Not sure i am mature enough for a tube preamp, so my quest would be for a transistor pre with a hint of tube sound.
What would be your suggestions? 
Btw, needs to be balanced as my active speakers only accept balanced.


rird
Usually Parasound and Pass come to mind as having warm almost tube like sound. I believe both are balanced but you need to try them for yourself.
I was thinking of Classe and Gamut. But perhaps i should consider your suggestions!
Ayre's preamps are very good.  The K5xeMP is a steal used and has a warmer sound than some tube units I have heard.