looking for a tube preamps that doesn't sound like SS

Schiit balanced "Freya +" at 900 bucks...the "improved" version (same features as the original but adds some things like a motorized volume control and tube "turn off" when using the passive or FET modes...great way to save tubes if using the thing for background music) of the original I’ve been using for a while with NOS GE 6SN7GTBs...a superb sounding USA made preamp that proves great design needn’t be expensive.

I found the sound I was after with a Modwright 36.5 with a NOS GZ34 Mullard in the power supply. 

Oh, easy. Take a close look at the Supratek Audio Chardonnay. This is the latest iteration of the preamp that kicked off the longest running thread on Audiogon. Search for "Preamp Deal of the Century".

Another top candidate would be the Don Sachs Model 2. Extremely well regarded.

If you're wanting to buy new, I don't think you can go wrong with either of these two preamps. You can spend more, but it will be tough to find better.

The newest AT7  quicksilver linestage sounds very nice.