Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

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.

I have Zu Omen Defs also, along with an RP1 (RCA Cleartops).I feel the Rogue with those particular tubes has just the right touch of warmth. It replaced an LTA MZ2 which was not warm at all no matter what tubes were tried,but was very transparent and clear.I enjoyed it more as a 1watt power amplifier.The only fault I find with the RP1 is the volume control - not enough steps to fine tune it just right.I owned a Conrad Johnson PL10 in the past that I wish I'd hung on to sometimes. If I upgrade someday I would have CJ on my short list.