First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

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. 

Considering this being your first go around at a tube Preamp, the Schiit Freya+ would be a great place to start. The unit can be run in tube, passive or buffered mode. It costs around a grand brand new and has great resale value. Starting here may be a beginning as well as an end point.