Help with Pre-Amps

Sarcher30 summed up things for you nicely and I would agree with the comment about carefully pursuing a passive preamp. They are great when done right, but limiting for future changes and require careful matching. Probably not the best idea for a neophyte (as you state you are).

There are many excellent preamps in a wide range of price points. Probably the first things to do would be to:
Set budget levels
What is the amp?
What are the speakers?
Is there a specific type of sound/performance/characteristics that are most important to you?
Will you have sources other than the turntable? What?

Many of us could list off a bunch of preamps in various price ranges that can be recommended, both new and used. Obviously, you can get excellent values in used equipment - especially right now (it is amazing how low prices are going).

So instead of spuing out a bunch of loose recommendations, post as many answers as you can and then we will throw our hats/hearts and recommendations out for you.

I would also consider the Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp.

Tube rolling is just changing tubes to find the ones you enjoy the most. As a guitar player, you have been doing this in all likelihood with your guitar amps.

Another good grouping of used preamps are many of the Audio Research ones. The list can go on and on, even at this price point.