Preamps-Tube

The little dude called Cary AES, amused me the most when I tried that and became one of my most favorable tube preamp designs.

The Backert Labs preamps are pretty amazing, especially at that price. I've heard them in a number of systems and have always been impressed. I am guessing that they have a bright future. Cheers,
Spencer

I haven't had the pleasure of hearing either of Backert Labs new preamps but I am  familiar with the Backert's and what they look for in sound.  If you are looking for something to ameliorate upper midrange prominence I would look to cj.  The Backerts have always striven for a dynamic, tonally neutral sound.  Not saying there gear would be in anyway bright, just neutral through the audio frequency range.

Consider the Cary SLP-05 tube amplifier with tube rectifier power supply. In my experience it is "lusher" than the CJ. It was Densis Had's no holds barred pre-amp and is a real upgrade from the SLI-80. It is quite detailed and lush at the same time  It has a high output impedance, so you should have a high input impedance on your amp. Had is no longer with Cary, but they still sell and support the SLP-05.

Prima Luna is also popular with many, although I do not have any experience with it.

I’m using a Mapletree Audio Design line stage. 2 chassis with tube rectification. I’ve stopped looking for better. They are custom built in Canada, and not very expensive considering the performance. Check them out here https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/.
Good luck! ! !