Are there any budget tubed preamps that stand out

Dave Davenport's line stage kits available through K&K Audio. Transformer coupled front and back with Lundahl amorphous core transformers; differential parafeed topology; very linear operation of the dual triode by using MOSFET CCS for plate loads. When coupled with the low reactance PS kit makes for a very quiet line stage that isolates all your sources from amps. No ground currents on your interconnects. That may not seem important until you hear the difference in your own system! This line stage improved the sound of my Cary SLI-80 integrated when connected in front of it. How could adding another device and set of interconnects "improve" something? I think "isolation" probably has something to do with this. It's too bad Dave and Kevin withdrew the Mood Indigo kit due to lack of interest. It had a nicely finished chassis and 5 relay switched inputs and two outputs, RCA and balanced. A newer kit version of the basic boards and parts are available if you want to "roll your own".

Raleigh Audio line stage kit distributed by K and K audio. I have assembled the latest version few months back and all I can say, its one of the best preamps I have had in my system. After trying numerous preamps I have finally settled down on this one. My Audio Aero Capitol mk2 cdp drives the Raleigh Audio preamp which in turn drives the Audio Aero Capitol amplifier driving Tannoy Prestige spks.
The preamp is fully balanced from input to output, provides a moderate 6.5 db gain and its dead quite. Its has a sophisticated tube rectified + tube regulated power supply and the line stage uses 6N1P in parafeed design. The component are top rated with Lundhal trfs, Caddok, Kiwami and Mills resistors amd BG PS caps. The drawback is that you have to provide the chassis, drill holes mount the PCBS and do all the assembly. if you are good at it, its one of the best you can have. The sound is dynamic, smooth, grain free and tremendous impact.

For more info and a picture of my preamp please visit this link , mine is the last link on the page.
http://www.raleighaudio.com/gallery.htm

Have a good day!

Transcendent Grounded Grid

A used Tube Audio Design 150 sells for around $700. You have to grab them fast because they do not last long on A-gon.

try checking out http://www.space-tech-lab.com/

There are some very very affordable preamps. And some people here have had some very positive things to say.

kw..............