Another "what would you buy"preamp question..Sorry

I hate to sound like a Blue Circle cheerleader, but it's "the stuff"! You will have to spend considerably more to better it, and Sugarbrie is right; your next step will be a BC3000. Chances are, if you like the sound of Blue Circle nothing else will float your boat the same way. I tried for almost a year to fight it by auditioning other stuff, but eventually I had to give in. If you absolutely have to audition other stuff, try BAT, it's pretty decent. Sugarbrie: shame on you for tempting the guy with thoughts of a BC3000!!!

Nope, no shares in Blue Circle. I like it cuz it sounds good. As for the hum - there could be a grounding issue in your electrical wiring. Do you have the amp and preamp plugged into the same outlet? I had a hum problem and solved it by purchasing a power conditioner....