noise thru tube pre??

You've got a microphonic tube. Since you only have one tube, get a new one thats been tested by a dealer for microphonics. Microphonics can effect the sound put out by your pre-amp even if you are not tapping the case. Vibrations come from many sources, including airborne.

Use currect production low noise tubes until you know the sound you prefer. Visit Audio Asylum tube forum and do a search on the 12AT7 you are using for suggestions on good currect production tubes. I don't use any in a line stage so I have no recommendations.

Re above comment 'microphonics can actually sound very good' - I would add 'if you like distortion'. In fact the presence of microphonics can give you some of that upper mid/high end distortion (glare, grit, grain, etc) that most folks hate.

I thought tube gear was always noisy, is it more than usual? : )

No I think you are confused. Tubes have a pleasant sounding noise. SS has a nasty sounding noise. There is a big difference....Wink.

Hell, I wouldn't even wink! SS sucks the music right out of the grooves and craps all over it! Hey, Nrchy, did you ever figure out how to bias that tube amp you bought? :-)

Wow, a lot of valve love in the room.

You've got a great hybrid preamp. I like the suggestions above. Go with something new and reliable to start, then roll into some NOS later. With only one valve, you can afford top notch NOS.