Don Sachs builds the finest-sounding (and looking) tube preamp I have ever heard.
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
For <$2k it comes with the top-grade silver/gold/oil Mundorf coupling caps that will handle any solid-state or tube impedance inputs, XLR balanced input, and superb master and channel pots and source switch. I have mine populated with metal-based MELZ 6H8Cs, and NOS RCAs, though any good NOS 6SN7 Sylvania or RCA works fine in them as well. These are built pretty much to order so expect a few weeks' wait for delivery, but well worth it. Don is located in Nelson, B.C., but through an arrangement with Canada Customs he drives over the border to the U.S. for weekly shipments so no duty charges or hassles with Canada Post. I finer preamp you will not hear.
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
For <$2k it comes with the top-grade silver/gold/oil Mundorf coupling caps that will handle any solid-state or tube impedance inputs, XLR balanced input, and superb master and channel pots and source switch. I have mine populated with metal-based MELZ 6H8Cs, and NOS RCAs, though any good NOS 6SN7 Sylvania or RCA works fine in them as well. These are built pretty much to order so expect a few weeks' wait for delivery, but well worth it. Don is located in Nelson, B.C., but through an arrangement with Canada Customs he drives over the border to the U.S. for weekly shipments so no duty charges or hassles with Canada Post. I finer preamp you will not hear.