Best tube preamp ever

I find this question impossible to answer, which isn't too helpful but honest. Now, depending on the amp you end up with, and as Ralph mentions the cables you use, I will say that these preamps from these comapnies were all execellent in their own way:

Audio Research
Convergent Audio Technology
Lamm
Joule
Atma-sphere
and the Dodd Battery powered preamp.

If I wanted an SS amp and want to use an SS preamp, I would likely get the preamp from the same manufacturer - at least in the case of the 3 SS amps you mention.

Thoress all hand made point to point wired no boards sounds wonderful.

Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate it. To answer some the the comments above, I do agree that "best" is a relative word in the world of electronics and very subjective. And I do agree that most have not listened to everything out there. that is exactly the reason I want to know what people consider best for themselves, which would give me a list to start researching and decide what's best for me. Looking at some of the preamps and brands mentioned above, it seems I will have my hands full researching all these products, which I look forward to. Thanks again to everyone!

The Dude by TRL , hard to beat at any price.

I would say the Vac Signature Mk IIa is certainly among the best tube amps, and also the one I own. It is the best pre-amp I have heard, and felt it was better than my previous best pre-amp, which was the Mbl 6010D.