Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile

I'd look at the Baekert Labs preamps in all price ranges they are giant killers. Bob Baekert has a patent on a new power supply, worked at CJ for years, and the many reviews of the Rhumba and Rhythm have been very positive. Plus, I understand they may be warranting their tubes for 10 years! They are Audiogon. Let Andy know you corresponded with William. Some people like them, some people don't.
As for the other brands mentioned above, many of those are in my repair shop all the time.Some are not. Why do you think people are selling them?
 I'll pass on Deal.

Misspelled name - hope the link works. dyslexia.

I agree totally with jjj666. It is extremely difficult or should I say almost impossible to determine an answer to your question without all factors taken into consideration always a concern of mine in these "best of" type threads, too many variables. I agree the amp is going to really be the thing to look at in addressing your query and the preamp should be considered in how it might mate with the amp, just MHO. What you are getting here for the most part is "what is my favorite preamp" cause some of the ones I'm familiar with listed are not what you are asking for.

Hi, Nightfall,
Just because you have $XXXX doesn't mean you need to spend all of it. I would investigate Don Sachs Consulting's 6SN7-based line pre-amp. Don's in Nelson, B.C. His no-frills unit starts at $1800 (US) and is based on Roy Mottram's hugely successful SP-14 line pre-amp, with better parts and 48-step volume control. Add all the bells & whistles, including a remote, even better caps (Mundorf, Dueland & Jupiters) you're looking at about $3,000. I own one and it will be my last. Don is a delight to deal with. Take the $3,000 I've saved you and re-cap your power amp(s) and upgrade the driver tubes.

You may want to take a look at Decware in East Peoria IL. There is a very good website. Steve has an exceptional preamp that is reasonably priced. All hand made with point to point wiring and lifetime warranty although you will probably never need to use it. Also many of his amps have a volume control and are very good without using a preamp. Good luck!