Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

Audiojan,

I went through this same exercise back a the beginning of this year, and listened to some great preamps. You're wanting to keep the cost down to about $5,000 will knock out a couple of great options: BAT VK-80, and the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme (not the base Rhumba....it won't compete). In the end I chose the Aric Audio Motherlode XL as I wanted the XLR connections, but if I didn't then I would have ordered the non XL version. Several months after my purchase, I am still extremely happy with the Aric Audio preamp and would do it again.

If you're looking for a "little warmth", I'd suggest a 6SN7 based preamp personally. I'd look at the already mentioned: Aric Audio, Supratek, and the Don Sachas/Lynn Olson Raven preamp. I'd highly suggest you reach out to Aric Kimball (Aric Audio), Don Sachs (Raven preamp, sold by Spatial Audio), and Mick Maloney (Supratek) to have a conversation. Aric Audio and Supratek make a bunch of preamps, they could lead you in the right direction on their products.

For transparency, I own an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp.....and Aric certainly can customize his preamps, and he has adjustable gain controls.

Those who have heard the Rogue RP-1 (especially with similar tubes) would be better placed to know what would sound a little warmer. I had a similar top-end issue that was resolved (to my ears) with an ARC Ref 3, despite ARC's not being noted for their warmth here. However, my starting point was a Naim 282, which is likely to have been a lot edgier than your Rogue.

+1 for the Raven preamp from Spatial that was designed by Don Sachs and Lynn Olsen.  

Manley Jumbo Shrimp.  Ran one for years with Manley Mahi Mahi monoblocks.  Both are quite fast for tube gear eschewing the fat lush romantic tube sound.  I moved on only because of XLR active speakers.  Good luck on your adventure.

Have you tried any other speakers?  Zu is the antithesis of warm and detailed.