So damn hard deciding which tube preamp to buy!

I agree completely with JB52.

You have to make a strong decision: Do you want to run a tube preamp only because tubes are en vogue? Do you like clinical highs drawn with a scalpel? Then you should look for a "modern" preamp, e.g. AR (with the terrible 6H-30 "wondertubes"), BAT or similar stuff.
Get yourself 10K from the bank and start your shopping tour.
Or are you after that liquid, airy, naturally swinging sound that seems having been buried through the decades? Then the AR LS5, SP6, SP8 and LS7 as well as Conrad Johnson PV12 and Classic are the choice. Change (or let change) some capacitors thoughtfully and enjoy that airy, blooming sound that is so hunky-dory for years. 
So the journey is not a matter of money but a matter of listening ability. Make a wise decision...

You don’t mention your equipment (if you are spending that kind of $ on a preamp then I am sure it’s good), is it out of the question to get a preamp from the same brand as your amp(s)?  There is a lot to be said for house sound synergy … and you know they will play nice with each other.

@janpro- As a consumer of the 6h30 I have to agree that the current production tubes do not sound good. Those old DR Reflectors though, at least in my line stage, are as good as any tube I've heard in my system. 

@ whart:
Yes- but not as a reasonable price. You have to pay a month's wage- with no chance for tube rolling.
So I stick to my (modified) AR LS7- but if one day An SP8 comes around the corner...

Jan

My favourite tube for preamps is still the 6DJ8/ECC88 or the 7DJ8/PCC88 I use instead.
I have got various brands and know what's best for any purpose.
This type of tube will not let you down.

Jan