Help with Pre-Amps

Wow!! Thanks for all the responses', I can tell already that you guys are going to be a big help to me. With that being said here goes;
-Dear Mrjstark-please explain to me what "Tube Rolling" is?
-Dear Sarcher30-since I have purchased a phono pre already with multiple gain chips, I should then look for a linestage pre(w/o a phono stage)-correct?
-Dear Sarcher30- between $750 and $1,000 for the pre(linestage) would be what I'm willing to spend.
-Dear Elevick-I'm a tube guy. A brief history of myself-I'm a musician(guitar player to be exact)and it's taken me roughly 20 years to get my guitar rig sounding like what I envisioned in my head if ya know what I mean. Of course I want warmth, definition, crystal clear sound stage etc. Is there a- say utilitarian linestage pre that might be a good choice until my ears have developed and I can truly discern the "flavor of the different pre's" and "hear in my head what I'm eventually looking for? Elevick as far as a cartridge I do not yet have one. Don't know what kind to look into yet. This is or should I say will be my 1st real audio set-up. Don't worry, I won't put a $99 cartridge on it I can asure you of that. I also do not have a power amp yet either, same holds true for the speakers. I'm putting this system together from scratch and so far I've only purchased the SOTA Star Sapphire, a SOTA reflex clamp and the Promitheus Audio Phono pre. Thanks much guys for all the input, I really need it but I guess I don't need to tell you guys that! Thanks in advance for your help.
Phaseshifter

Phaseeshifter. Yes I would go with a linestage since you already have a phonostage.

I don't have any experience with preamps in that price range. I went from a $3,000 integrated amp (preamp and amp in same box) to a $4,500 preamp. Both pieces were new.

Buying used will allow you to get nicer equipment for the price but is more of a hassel, and usually you lose the warrenty unless it is transferable to the second owner.

I'm sure someone will have some nice recomendations in your price range.

Tube rolling is simply changing the tubes that came stock with the equipment to a different brand or vintage to adjust the sound to your liking.

You might want to pick up a copy of Robert Harleys Complete Guide To High End Audio. Most of the questions you have are covered in it except for specific equipment recomendations.

Cheers
Sean

Hi Sean,
I most certainly will pick up a copy of Robert Harleys book and thanks for the recommendation to do so. Hypothetical situation if I may. You are obviously very knowledgeable about high-end audio but say for instance you had a SOTA Star Sapphire(very heavy) in the neighborhood of 50lbs with a Rega RB301 on it what cartridge choice would you consider in the $750 plus, maybe a little more for the table. Does this question make any sense seeing as I have only the aforementioned equipment in our other threads?
thanks Sean,
Phaseshifter

In your price range, I would consider a Quicksilver Audio linestage, very, very good for the price. I don't think it is much above that new, and should be in your range used.

From the QS website:

"I don't know of a better line stage preamp for around a kilobuck." Sam Tellig, Stereophile,March 2001

The Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp embodies the Quicksilver philosophy of simplicity. It uses only one 12AX7 per channel, resulting in a very direct sound. A precision Alps attenuator, with 41 detents, is used for the volume control. The gold-plated Teflon insert RCA jacks are chassis mounted for long life. Gain is 18 db. Minimum load is 20 Kohms. Price $1095 NEW!