looking at some tube preamps,

I might just consider that AE3 preamp. The Mapletree stuff seems like a good deal too. Will have to check out his website and other reviews.

You may also want to check out (Mapletree preamps).

Dave

No experience with any of the others but I'm extremely happy with my AE3-DJH. The build quality is wonderful and I've been amazed at how transparently it responds to swapping tubes. Even upgrading the stock tube rectifier made a huge difference in the sound. It was exactly what I was looking for, three inputs, remote control, very high quality parts and a sound that opens up the music in a way I haven't ever had in any of my systems.