First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

A winning circuit design will sound better with cheap parts than a average circuit design with top notch parts.

Really? Ever build anything? There are no new circuit designs. There are only compromises. Just by putting in a V-cap will change the sound of any unit for the better. Audio Note non-magnetic resistors also. Been repairing and modifying and manufacturing components for over 20 years. I am able to hear every component mentioned in these threads. Repair or upgraded most all of them also so I can compare them. Just because a component is made by a so called Tech means nothing. I have repaired or rebuilt those components also. Not all of them are that good. Recently added Manley Steelhead and Tron gear to my experience. Expensive components. Not reference quality. You are comparing manufactured gear from one company to another all made to a price point to make money. Low grade parts and mostly poor to just OK designs. Nothing point-to-point which always sounds better.

Anyone in the NYC - NJ - PA area is very welcome to come hear what things should sound like.  You are welcome to bring you own components over to compare.

Happy listening.

I've heard bad circuit designs with great parts sound bad, I've heard great circuit designs sound great with cheap parts. I agree that a great circuit design with great parts will sound even better, but this forum isn't to sell your services.

Conrad-Johnson, Cary, AudioNote or McIntosh. Those would be my first suggestions. 

@avanti1960
The Cary SLP-05 is a smooth dynamic performer with a huge soundstage. It tends to be "phatter" and bassier, I really love the sound....

avanti1960,
Which 6SN7s are you running in your SLP-05 when you hear the "phatter" and "bassier" sound?

I was thinking your preamp came stock with EH. I ask because I can reproduce the same type of sound you describe with my own Cary SLP-98 preamp if I use new re-issue production Tung Sol 6SN7GTBs. As soon as I switch to NOS vintage Sylvania 6SN7s VT231s, or others like TJ Full Music / PSVANE 6SN7s, the top end opens up with more transparency, clarity, smoother detail, no more grain, and that "phatty bass" is no longer there like I hear with the new reissue Tung Sols.

Conrad Johnson all day.