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


any recommendations for a tube preamp under 4k, that has old school sound, warm, fat, with good mid range and sound-staging.

I have a good SS set up, good clarity and imaging but would like to change things up with a good tube,.

O


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

Lots of great recommendations above.  I am not a fan of the Rogue though.

Depending on your price range, any of the Counterpoint tube preamps will sound very good and they can be upgraded to sound fantastic.  Look for the SA-2000 or the SA-3000 with phono.  Stay away from the thin chassis designs and the SA-5000 - while it is great sounding it is hard to upgrade because of the time to work on the floating circuit board.

Prima Luna 6DJ8/6922 preamp new runs about $2300 is really nice sounding for the money.  6SN7 tube preamps sound very relaxed as the smaller tubes seem to have a more dynamic punch IMO.


Happy Listening.