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

Oh yeah, the mx110z phono eq sounds great also. My tt has a built in phono preamp, switchable, so either go line out to any line input or signal out to a phono input for RIAA Phono EQ within the pre-amp.

I prefered the TT preamp Line Out to my SS C28 preamp phono eq. Now, I prefer the tube pre-amp's phono EQ, using signal out of tt to the mx110z.

I just skimmed that long story I posted the link to, words, words, words, his conclusion, if you are still awake:

"The MX110Z excels at playing music in an authoritative and vivid way that I found to be very emotionally engaging. It presented tempos, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms with natural life-like momentum & dynamics. The MX110Z's tonality is superb by any standard past or present, and it excels at the reproduction of the textures, colors, tones and overtones. The MX110Z makes vinyl & FM sound astonishingly good, and even makes digital your friend. Price-wise the MX110Z is a steal, and performance-wise it can easily hold its own against contemporary preamplifiers, and feature-wise it outclasses any modern preamplifier on Planet Earth. The MX110Z may be the single best audio purchase I've ever made, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it provide another 50 years of service after its checkup & electrical refreshment by Terry DeWick. Expect to pay around $3000 USD or more for an electrically restored 'Mint +' MX110Z like mine."

I got mine eBay, $1,700. and it sounds awesome with no modifications. I have my own tester, all tubes tested good. btw, most power tubes are rated for 10,000. hours, the small tubes in preamps and tuners substantially longer than that. So don't jump into new tubes too soon. 

MFA Magus C

I have read the 2002-2019 thread on the Supratek preamps and am very tempted to buy one.  I would read through the thread