You could find a used Audio REsearch LS2 at around $500 range that would sound excellent, especially if you upgrade tubes some time. It would be much better.
If you wanted to do the ultra clear "passive" route, you could find an inexpensive passive preamp for pure sonic tranparancy. McCormack TLC's are probably around $400 used or better. Pass Labs Aleph L's are around $600 used.
At any rate, they are very transparant, but less dynamic slam if you do rock or heavy dynamic sutf. Still, the sound is really clear.
I would probably save for a deal on an LS2 or LS7 or whatever, and play with the Tube pre. it's got great overall potential for what it does, and not easily beaten for the price.
Good luck
If you wanted to do the ultra clear "passive" route, you could find an inexpensive passive preamp for pure sonic tranparancy. McCormack TLC's are probably around $400 used or better. Pass Labs Aleph L's are around $600 used.
At any rate, they are very transparant, but less dynamic slam if you do rock or heavy dynamic sutf. Still, the sound is really clear.
I would probably save for a deal on an LS2 or LS7 or whatever, and play with the Tube pre. it's got great overall potential for what it does, and not easily beaten for the price.
Good luck