Recommendations for a tubed preamp

@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.  

@laaudionut  How would you describe the sound character of the Aric?
Have you had a chance to check out the Aric Audio Super 6SN7?
I’m asking because I found one on a local auction with the following description:

"This version got all possible upgrades from the bigger brother "The Motherlode II

Tube rectified and regulated power supply
Miflex KPCU copper-foil/paper in oil coupling capacitors
Khozmo 64 step relay based remote volume controller
DC coupled input stage fed to a low impedance cathode follower
Gold-plated ceramic tubes sockets
Gold-plated Neutrik RCA jacks
Fused IEC jack with integral power switch
Fully hand-built

Built in upgrades:
Jupiter copper foil coupling caps
Takman metal film resistors"

You will have to pardon my approach to describing the sound qualities of Aric's gear, as I am merely a music lover and not a reviewer versed in audio superlatives and vernacular. For reference, with my Pass SS Amps(XA60.8, and XA160.8), and now Coda Model 16 I have heard each of the following tube preamps in my rack and listening room,

McIntosh C2300, C2500

Luxman CL38

ARC 5R

Don Sachs

The Motherlode bests them all in how rich and musical it presents itself. More depth and dimensionality in regards to the separation of instruments, left-right, back-front...it was as close to the "live" sound that we all chase. Detail is superb, but not analytical. The bass is tight and punchy, where others were mushy at times.  In the end it just sounds best to my ears.

If it matters, I also have one of Aric's Special EL34 Push -Pull Amps that I pair with some high efficiency speakers and it too is spectacular!

I am in the U.S. but have owned a couple of preamps from Europe. 

I had the Qualiton APR204 Preamp shortly after it came to market. I felt it was very well made & I personally upgraded the output caps to Jupiter copper foils. I thought it was a nice sounding preamp but their more current units are supposed to be on another level from what I was told. The APR204 was basically a $2k preamp & That's what it sounded like. I wasn't wowed out of my seat by it but wasn't disappointed. Dynamic swings in volume could be startling at times..& that was super enjoyable to me. I love when a quick smack of a drum can make me flinch. This was one of if not their 1st preamp offering. The owner was nice & responsive & I wouldn't hesitate to try one of their newer models based on my 1st experience...if I could currently afford it. 

I've also owned the Icon Audio LA4 MKiii. I upgraded all the caps in this unit. Not as dynamic as the Qualiton but the Icon was better at 3 dimension, putting sounds out into space. Nice soundstage..& very perceivable dark background. I really enjoyed it. When I paired my Pontus 15th to it (single ended only though) the soundstage was a real treat. The LA5 TX is supposed to be a clear step up..using transformer output. I'd love to get my hands on one. I'd go for the 5 if anyone was interested. Communication with Icon designer David Shaw was pleasant & extensive. Nice guy. Very low noise preamps with their Double Choke power supply. Double PI I think is how they refer to it. 

I still own a Schitt Freya that was mentioned in this thread & while it's a versatile nice preamp it is no match in sound quality & stage perceptions as they other 2 I mentioned.