Well, I reckon I will throw in for the 2.5. I recently replaced the 12au7 tubes w/ some NOS GEs, and I am really enjoying this pre, which, until I can find a pair of VTL st-125s, is mated to a Rogue 88. You can get a line stage on Audiogon for a good price, send it to the factory and have a phono stage installed. I know that it'll be a lot of fun!
BTW, what are your speakers and sources?