[AllanS]

I was tempted to tag onto the thread below because the OP and I are in similar places, but decided there are enough differences to start a new thread. 
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=191726.0
Depending on where it goes I may link this thread to the other because people interested in one may be interested in the other.

In the other thread, the OP was leaning tube pwr amp.  My current interest is limited to pre amps.  I did find a lot of help in the recommendations from the other tread.

That said, I am looking for something that leans more tubey.  I like reasonably tight bass with a full and textured mid range that does not go as far as bloated.  In particular I'm also looking for something with good sound stage depth and layering.  I want more of what the current Schiit Lyr and Aegir set up has given me a taste of.  The current sound stage depth is okay but is relatively flat.  I think the most significant short coming is recessed vocals.  I'll go new if necessary but prefer used to keep it under $2500.  And, because I'm shallow, black gets first pass preference.

Front end is Eversolo DMP-A8.  Speakers are Spatial M4 Sapphires.  IC from BJC.  Speaker cables are Moon Audio Black Dragon.  The Aegir will be replaced eventually but will remain the amp of choice for the foreseeable future.  I have some room treatment work to do but believe my budget and setup constraints (furniture and arrangement) will limit improving what is a dead room (20-20K < 300 ms untreated).

Schiit Freya + would be a natural but I don't think it would be a long term keeper.  I'm a bit of a Schiit fanboy and like the Aegir but their stacks tend to lean bright to my ears - though that might have been the Bifrost talking because the A8 through the Lyr and Aegir is pretty agreeable.

In the other thread I found the Mapletree Ultra 4CRM and VTA SP14 to be most compelling.  The Supratek Chardonnay and Cary Audio SLP-98 also have my attention and have the advantage of variable gain and service within a few hours drive. Given a choice, point to point is my preference but PCB is fine.  AVA Fet Valve CFR is in the mix with the DVA SET 500 pwr amp as an attractive next step if I end up caving to silver.

K and K Audio and deHavilland UltraVerve were pulled from this thread but the principals have both retired.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=130631.msg1381402#msg1381402

Unless I missed something, the one thing these all have in common, except the AVA, is 6SN7. With limited knowledge I am happy to limit choices to 6SN7 unless there are reasons to consider other tube complements (eg AVA 12AT7/AU7).

I would appreciate any thoughts and recommendations.  I've been trying to sort out this pre amp thing for a while and, now that I have half a clue what I'm looking for, the lovely and gracious bride who doesn't get any of it has green lighted it nonetheless.

Thank you.

[Ericus Rex]

Prima Luna would likely check off all your sonic desires.

I do remember an old Cary model, the SLP-70, that used 6SN7s and 6SL7s. They seem to be quite rare.

[pstrisik]

I added a Cary SLP-98 pre to my system with a Class A solid state amp (Pioneer M-22).  It was one with the cap upgrades and power supply upgrade.  I bought it used for $2200 and it has been great.  A pair of 1960's RCA 6SN7GTB and it is a keeper.  There are a couple in the US for sale:  https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=Cary+SLP-98

I think the combo of tube pre/SS power is a good way to go to combine tube midrange and spaciousness with solid state dynamics and bass control.

[AllanS]

Thanks much!  I'd seen the SLP98 on TMR but hadn't looked at USAM where I saw the other SLP98 as well as a SLP70.  The SLP70 is immediately tempting.  I had also considered Prima Luna but what I've seen was a bit pricey.

[JackD]

Allan

You can't go wrong with the Supratek Chardonnay especially if you live close enough to Johnny that service if needed is not an issue.  I've owned the Chardonnay since 2019 and the Cabernet 6SN7 since 2022.  The Chardonnay is the more classic tube sound with the Cabernet a bit more to the neutral side as the circuit is different.  In addition to the advantages of the adjustable gain and balance control it is easy on tubes and you can expect to get many hours of the ones Mick provides.  If you could find either model used that would be an advantage but they don't show up used that regularly.  Still either is bargain priced for a preamp that can last you a lifetime.  Another option if you could find one of his last models used would be Don Sachs' DS-2 also 6SN7 based but service would be in Canada.

[AllanS]

Many thanks Jack.  The Chardonnay is definitely on the short list and your comparison to the Cabernet is quite helpful.
Mick and I traded emails where he mentioned how easy the Chardonnay is on tubes (and presumably his other designs).  Based on Don’s comments about his DS-2 implementation of the SP 14, I’m guessing the outboard tube design has something to do with that.  Don’s endorsement is the reason for the SP14 being on the long list.