Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

I go to plenty audio get togethers  and for quality and build in the $5-6k range Linear Tube Audio made in U.S.A designed by Tube guru David Berning 

then later upgraded still if you use xlr the Swedish Lundahl Transformer upgrade 

and order with the 6 sn7 tubes , then there is a small set of tubes 12at7 or others 

very good all around and not like many that use the cheap $20 silver can alps pot like prima luna , these guys you a true resistive ladder  for the volume. Which is ultra important for detail. Mike at Audio Archon  gives excellent service and a fair price off on retail.

I don't like the term "warm".  I think it is a euphemism for bland and muddy.  It is generally an attempt to fix a too bright system.  and often the too brightness is really a lack of bass.  People don't understand this but it makes sense if you think about it.  For example, you have a crappy power conditioner that limits current to your amp that mostly affect bass.  So to get the normal bass and volume, you have to turn it up.  now the highs are screaming at you.  

So instead of buying a "warm" preap, I'd try to find out what is causing problems in my system.

Jerry

The not to expensive (for some) LTA MICROZOTL MZ3 PREAMPLFIER that punches far beyond it’s $3700 price tag. And when I rolled in NOS tubes it responded that much better. I got mine used from LTA which came with a $400 discount on a one month old unit from a trade up and haven’t looked back. Fantastic piece of kit.

There's a Supratek Chardonnay on Hifi Shark that will help in this regard, Ran one for 5 years before switching to a balanced system. Still have mine but keeping it in reserve for a second system someday. Made in Australia but good service here in US.

I’ll add a +1 to look at Don sachs. I have his model 2 and it’s outstanding. I prefer a more neutral sound and so I am running this with the provided rectifier tube; however experimenting with Mullard GZ34 gave exactly the warmer detailed sound you are asking about.  But given your price point you are right at the Raven cost point which is noted to be even more special.