Wanted:Warm, Sweet preamp.

Budget allowing I would also second the Joule (LA-100 MkIII) or Cary SLP-98. I have had both in my system and although the Joule still remains the Cary is an excellent product. There have been some used Joule preamps on Audiogon of late priced quite reasonably.

Another option might be an Easten Electric Mini-max. I have read and heard very good things about this preamp. I believe it has the sonic signature you're looking for at a much lower cost. Tube rolling is supposed to provide additional benefits.

Considering my own system. I am now using a passive preamp for my digital front-end. Not all passive preamps lack dynamics and warmth. True, they will never rival tubes, but the custom K&K Audio TVC I just got using S&B transformers (versus resistors) is both transparent and dynamic (at all volume settings) with a touch of warmth that at times has me reaching for the Joule remote to changes the volume only to realize that I have to get up and do it because I couldn't tell which preamp was in use.

I would strongly recommended Emotive Audio Sira LE, so warm and beautiful sound without high roll off.
There's one currently for sale on Audiogon but way overpriced.

Joule-Electra, c-j Premiere 14 or 17, Supratek Syrah or Chenin.

The underated and often overlooked Mapletree Audio Ultra 4A. Warm, incredibly musical, and detailed. And, it has a tubed phono stage--all for $700. Don't let the price fool you; it can rival any pre 3x its price range. This review says it all: http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/mad4multra_e.html.

Sorry for omitting some details.

I would like to keep it under 5k if possible new or used. Prefably used. Even though I do like the sound of tube amps I would never rule out a SS amp.

I don;t need ultra transparency or detail. But I would like a bit.

I listen to all kind of genre's with Rock, accoustic, classical and opera being my faves and most played.

So pace is important as well although I don;t need the fastest sounding either.

Hope this info helps with recommendations.