If you want a really nice preamp you should consider the #26 DHT. It's the best sounding preamp tube I've ever heard, still widely available, and not overly expensive. I built a preamp using it and the sound is fantastic - check out the "#26 Preamp" thread over the DIYAudio for everything you ever wanted to know abou this tube and lots of examples of different builds.
Here's a picture of my 26 preamp build, using Cunningham balloon 26s and gas VR tubes:
#26 Preamp
.
Here's a picture of my 26 preamp build, using Cunningham balloon 26s and gas VR tubes:
#26 Preamp
.