First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

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. 

@decooney
I am using nos sylvania 6SN7 GTA from the 50's, not the vt231.  
Love the sound, these are reasonable and readily available.  
Even with the stock sovtek rectifier but the sound  did improve with a nos mullard rectifier.