Recommendations for a tubed preamp

You have some nice components @gabriel123, how are you liking the Coda? Compared to your older Arcam kit was it? 

@vthokie83 's post is a good one, I don't think anyone has read anything negative from any pre's on that list. I was torn between trying an Aric Audio pre or the Backert, but found a Backert and snapped it up- it's fabulous. I still would like to try an Aric Audio in the future- It sure doesn't hurt to give Aric a call and discuss what you want in a pre, and what might be a good match for your gear.  

I own the S5.5, and the Primaluna evo400, and the EAR 868, and a Backert Rhumba extreme (1.3 technically, but upgraded with 1.4 parts and with same Vcaps as Rhythm.)

If you have some time I could throw the Coda in the system with the Rhumba and see how it gets along if you are interested; I was wondering myself how it would compare with the 300B- haven't done this yet since acquiring the Rhumba, but the issue is that room is getting worked on, so it may have to wait until the weekend. 

@mclinnguy I can't say much about the Coda 5.5 yet, as I'm still waiting for it to be delivered (hopefully sometime this week). That said, I'm trying to figure out my next step with a preamp. I'd love to have a complete system before the end of the year. If possible, it would be great to hear your thoughts on the synergy between the Coda and the PrimaLuna EVO400, as well as with the Backert Rhumba Extreme. There are some EVO400 units available on the European used market at good prices. There are also a few Aric Audio Super 6SN7s, but I'm not fully convinced about it....

Please don't bite my head off for what I'm saying, I'm not an electrician but why inside of Aric Audio looks so messy and chaotic compared to LTA and other recommended preamps? :)

Aric Audio without hesitation!

I have his Motherlode paired to a Coda 16 and it is by far the best my system has ever sounded...and I have had a lot of gear go on and off the audio rack. The inside of his tube offerings may appear messy in comparison, but it only because he personally builds and hand wires all of the internal components and never uses circuit boards. Call him and speak with him...you will not hear a better tube preamp at any price. And he is a great guy with the best customer service in our industry!

@gabriel123  Please don't bite my head off for what I'm saying, I'm not an electrician but why inside of Aric Audio looks so messy and chaotic compared to LTA and other recommended preamps? :)

Welcome to boutique builders with hand made point-to-point wired and direct-soldered units with shorter distances, and most with more direct wiring vs circuit boards and production line assembly units catering to plug-in connectors and speed of build. The proof is in the pudding when listening and comparing. 

The only time it matters more is when the cover is off and you want it to look good instead, or if there is noise generated as a result of things touching each other that should not be. Most design-builders accommodate for this, and they measure for noise before sending units out. They know how things can be wired and configured manually like this and big MFGs dont do it this way because it's labor intensive.  That's why people like and buy the boutique builder units, most sound better. Only way to know is to try one or demo one. Best of Luck on the new journey.