Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

Surprised at no mention of Modwright yet. I have the Modwright LS300 (dual mono balanced) and the choice of rectifiers and 9-pin tubes allows a lot of tuning to get to warm or "meat on the bones" if that is what you want. The new LS99 is a scaled down version, with a single rectifier tube, but the same general topology, so I'd expect similar results. I'm very happy with mine, great sounding (yes, detailed/transparent), terrific remote, just a very solid unit, with great support.

The Don Sachs preamp is just the VTA SP14 in a prettier enclosure.  The SP14, preassembled and tested, with remote control, is $1900 new.  $1450 as a kit.

Transcendent Sound grounded grid or the newer 300B preamp

I have the Aric Motherlode top end preamp.  Also have the Audio GD 10 tube preamp as well in one of my ancillary two channel systems.  I second the endorsement of both.  Aric Audio is a USA small business.  Audio GD is Chinese made and imported by Underwood Hi-Fi.

Seems no Lab12 fans out there. So I'll add the Lab12 pre 1 to your list of suggestions. 

Doshi Audio V3.0 Preamplifier. 

@audiojan

Why not get the a matching Coincident Line Stage?

Coincident sells direct (save money from marketing cost) or buy used. If you go this direction, maybe they can offer tube rolling advice also if needed.

@kennyc the Coincident preamps don’t come with a remote. I frequently adjust volume based on the track so this is something I’m not willing to compromise on

PRIMA LUNA! The best sounding tube pre-amp in that price range

I really enjoyed the Cary Slp-98 but my fave yet is the Luxman 38uc… i dont know how else to describe it other than it brought the soul and emotion out of everything I listened to.

@snapoli2 interesting you mention the Luxman. I just spoke to my local dealer (whom I really trust, have done business with him for well over 20 years) and that's exactly what he recommended

May borrow one from him after the long weekend and listen

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. 

Specific older Audio Research preamps (6B, 8) should please you.  

@perkadin Have you heard the Omen Def Supreme? I’m guessing not…

I have not received a Demo' in any form of the Raven Pre-Amp', but I have followed the enjoyable to read thread about the concept through to working end model.

I find it hard to believe that there is a Amp' available off the shelf that is born from a better origin and offer the versatility built in to the design.

I strongly recommend the pursuit of learning more about this Amp' and attempting to experience it through a demonstration.

End Game sticks strongly as a term in my mind, as I own Valve Equipment produced by an individual who has long term experience, and have never considered changing it, even after 20ish years of its concept having taken place.  W 

So I’m testing out the Luxman CL-38uC and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Detailed, slightly warm, spacious and just super relaxed

@audiojan, I have that Luxman piece in one of my systems, and it sounds really good, don’t be alarmed because of its “cheap” price, it performs flawlessly and enjoyable. Besides, if you change its stock tubes, it will sound even better. 

@audiojan I’ve heard the Omen and the Supreme uses a similar full range driver made in house and that’s the problem. If you like them that’s great, but asking to get more detail from them is like trying to get bass from a pair of Maggie’s. But sure, blame it on the preamp.  

I have the Omen Defs also and they certainly don't lack in detail. I'll bet the Luxman will be a great choice and a good fit.I actually have the RP1 myself,which is a good fit for my system at present.

@perkadin You do realize that the Omen and the Omen Def Supreme are not even the same speaker? And you might be one of the very few that ever said that Zu's lacking detail, that's what they're known for.

@audiojan Did you ever wonder why tweeters are small and woofers are large?  It's because of the different wavelengths of those sounds.  When a full range driver tries to create high and low frequencies at the same time, those differences in vibration adds distortion as the volume climbs.  That's the hard edge you are hearing (lack of warmth/depth etc.).  You can limit that distortion with clever design work, but most of that engineering either pushes out the limit of distortion, or tries to minimize the distortion itself so that its less noticeable, but I've never heard any single driver system do justice to rock and other complex music genre's at decent volumes.  The Def's might be a bit better then the Omen's, but the physical issues will remain.  Keep the music simple and polite, and they can sound extremely natural.  Rock out and you'll be running for the hills. That's why crossovers, dual concentric designs etc. exist.  I'm glad that you are happy with the new preamp, but you did nothing to solve the fundamental issue. 

Just wanted to thank @mwood for the kind words and let the audiogon community know who this humble member is, namely Marshall Wood, bass player for Tony Bennett for over a decade and for many other artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Woods, Joe Pass, and Monty Alexander.

Although we should have done so, we did not seek him out. And he did not come to us proposing any kind of deal or endorsement. He simply called us one day and bought a Rhumba Extreme, paying full price. We believe he has been a satisfied customer since, as he later upgraded to a Rhythm. OK, back to your regularly scheduled preamp programming....