Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile

I appreciate everyone's input thus far. I will research and carefully consider your suggestions. I've also had recommendations for the following:

Cary SLP-05
Allnic L-3000 MK2
McIntosh MC500T
Joule Electra LA-150 Mk II Special Edition

Any thoughts on whether these would provide what I am looking for would also be appreciated. Thanks.

The amplifier that I will be using the preamp with is superb, but not well known, which is why I failed to mention it earlier. It is the Wells Audio Innamorata, which is single ended with an amplifier input impedance of 50k ohms. 

JMC Grogan2, I completely understand your point. I'm trying to find the sweet spot between warmth and richness, without sacrificing too much detail and speed. I particularily appreciate your thoughts as you and I share, I think, somewhat similar tastes. I hope your Rowland Model 6's are still serving you well! 

Just came across this in a Stereophile review of a VTL preamp I thought worth looking into, and it also has me very interested based on the description of the sound. Again, though I would, have to wait for a used unit to appear, in the interest of finances. And not sure how often these surface. 

"

The VTL's midrange—voluptuously rich, detailed, and liquid—made it a natural match for well-recorded voices. My favorite Beatles recording of solo voice, musically and sonically, is John Lennon's soulful rendition of Arthur Alexander's "Anna (Go to Him)," from Please Please Me (CD, Parlophone). The TL-5.5 II brought out every low-level dynamic nuance in Lennon's vocal style; even his raspy upper register was bathed in a golden glow.

The VTL's midrange, however, was revealing and uncolored enough to differentiate among the sound qualities of various recordings."

Read more at http://www.stereophile.com/content/vtl-tl-55-series-ii-signature-line-preamplifier#rjmRYVEXzjebYRpv....

soundsrealaudio, thank you for linking that article, it's very helpful.

almarg, thanks for including that quote on the Herron. I've obviously heard of them but do not know a great deal about the company other than hearing many positives, in general. By that description, it certainly does sound like something I need to look into. I couldn't afford it brand new though, I probably shouldn't truly go above $5500.00. Hopefully these appear used from time to time.

jmcgrogan25,804 posts04-06-2017 6:00pm

I hope your Rowland Model 6's are still serving you well!

Actually, the Model 6's are long gone, but not forgotten.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/rowland-model-6-monoblocks-my-thoughts

The Model 6's were some terrific amps, without question the best Class A/B amps I've ever heard. 

I have heard good things of Wells Audio, but I've never had a chance to hear any of their products.
I'll be interested to see what preamp you wind up mating with that amp.
Have you asked Jeff Wells for any preamp recommendation?

Just left Jeff a voice mail message about that very subject. He's a great guy, incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We've had quite a few conversations about the amp. 

Just curious, what caused you to leave the Model 6's behind, and what did you replace them with?

I was speaking with Jeff Wells of Wells Audio, at length, earlier tonight. Turns out that he has two preamps coming out this summer which he said would produce world class sound paired with my existing Wells power amplifier. I think, at this point, I'll probably wait to check those out before I purchase anything else in terms of a preamp. At least barring some miraculous deal on one of those discussed here.

My sincere thanks to everyone for their advice and recommendations, all information is greatly appreciated. I've done a great deal of research based on the input and am well armed for making a preamp decision when I pull the trigger. 

As a last note, and just for reference, I was able to verify that the Wells Immorata's input impedance is actually 50k ohms. 

" Hi, Nightfall,
Just because you have $XXXX doesn't mean you need to spend all of it. I would investigate Don Sachs Consulting's 6SN7-based line pre-amp. Don's in Nelson, B.C. His no-frills unit starts at $1800 (US) and is based on Roy Mottram's hugely successful SP-14 line pre-amp, with better parts and 48-step volume control. Add all the bells & whistles, including a remote, even better caps (Mundorf, Dueland & Jupiters) you're looking at about $3,000. I own one and it will be my last. Don is a delight to deal with. Take the $3,000 I've saved you and re-cap your power amp(s) and upgrade the driver tubes."

Thank for the information on this. First I had ever heard of Don, and what he offers. Both the preamp,and that KT88 amp look lile tremendous bargains, potentially!. I'll keep that in mind for the future

JC