Tube Preamp Recommendations?


Hello, I'm a newbie to this forum.  I'm on the hunt for a new tube pre-amp.  I think.  It is replacing an aging PSE Hybrid Line Stage 1 preamp.  Several of the RCA outputs on the PSE don't work, the power button is finicky, and it is all original, ostensibly in need of major overhaul.  Labels on capacitors and other parts have fallen off, etc.  I love the slightly warm (to my ear) holographic sound of the PSE.  I would like to upgrade the SQ.  I find bright, high resolution sound like that of my KEF X300A computer desktop speakers very fatiguing after a short period of time.  

My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands.  I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.

My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function.  Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear.  I'd appreciate any recommendations.  Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.

Thanks for any tips or advice!
robert1234
In your price range I would certainly look used to get more bang for your buck. This looks like a nice choice in your price range here:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-joule-electra-la-100-mk-11-excellent-condition-2017-04-02-pre...

No relation to the seller Joule is a well thought of well reviewed brand thats still serviced by Signature Sound in NY. That's a classic audiophile preamp.

This unit also looks nice:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-granite-audio-770r-full-function-tube-preamp-2017-03-31-pream...

Not as well known but Granite Audio is still around and has a great rep.

Just a few thoughts and buying used at the right price is a great way to "audition" preamps in your system, it's easy to flip a good piece if you bought it right in the first place. Good luck.
Thanks, jond.  I'll check those two out.  I'm definitely looking for a used piece to get the biggest bang for the buck.
An Audio Research SP-6b was just listed here on AudiogoN today, and has just been overhauled. It has the classic ARC tube sound, and contains a phono section. It's priced below $1000, so act quickly!
Thank you, bdp24! I got the AR SP-6b.  Looking forward to listening to it.  Thank you to everyone who responded.  What a great community!
Way to go Robert! The SP-6b is not only a fine pre-amp, it also has a mode switch! The pre uses 12AX7's, so look into getting some NOS Telefunkens to put in it.