Vintage tube equipment is where preamps almost first started, and where among some of the most common during the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
NEVE 1073 PREAMP CLONE PRO
Depending on the tube, depends on the point at which breakup and distortion starts, common ones are 12au7 (low distortion, higher noise) 12at7 (Mid level distortion, common middle ground but less common), and 12ax7 (commonly used across the board for both preamps in pro audio equipment and even more commonly used in guitar amps and pedals). When run cold (low input, high output) they have a glisten and shimmer to the sound and add subtle harmonics that impart an expensive and polished sound. If you can afford the AMS Neve brand, then of course they are an obvious option however, they are expensive and clones have become so close that for a slightly lower price you can achieve a very close quality in sound.
Unless using the original Neve units, it’s impossible to recreate the exact same qualities of the original designs, however Stam have possibly come the closest, however Heritage Audio have a growing reputation as well. Higher budget options include Heritage Audio, Stam Audio or Neve themselves. Heritage Audio have come on to the market with a very desirable clone and price tag for such a faithful replica of the original 1073 Preamp.