Top ten tube preamps

Exactly- that is what I find too.

I agree with Pabul57, listing your biggest disappointment would be more useful, but most will be reluctant to do it.

i'd go with ARC/CJ

Well said Blindjim.

Adding to the nominee in my 12/07 post, I would now include Conrad Johnsons top tube preamps, the ART 2, ACT 2 series 2 and CT-5. They mate with a variety of my amps ranging from SETs to Tripath chips to pure class A solid state from Pass and Bedini, all with excellent results.

Onemug

Great!

As much as I see the approach CJ is taking lately, I prefer the older version's take on the sound better, and why I enjoy the Thor so much. It has both the speed and harmonic quality found in tube gear with no hint of SS what so ever. I've not heard the aRT preamps though. Did hear the CT5 with the 170 wpc CJ tube amps.

I feel if a thing has tubes in it, it should sound like it has tubes in it and not try to be SS sounding. There should be some definite departure or distinctive and easily noteable differences between those camps.... or why bother with glass in the first place?