[sanjaygolf]

I'm totally new to tubes but felt like I needed to try my hand in them. The only thing is I have no idea what to get although I know I want to get a tube preamp since I like my SS amp a lot. Price is also an issue. I cant really drop down a lot of dough especially for something I'm not sure I'm gonna like. So my budget is around $700 for a used unit. I dont need many inputs as I only have one source but I do need two outputs since I am running a sub. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[rockadanny]

Easy! Mapletree Audio 2A SE Linestage, and you don't have to settle for used either if you get the kit ($660) or stretch your budget a bit to $740 assembled. And YOU get to select the gain for each input (with Dr. Peppard's help if you need). I don't think there is a better pre on the market for this cost.

http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/

[toobluvr]

Similar ground being covered on this thread:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=77811.0

I posted more thoroughly there, but in short, for great performance and reliability at that price (used) be sure to consider: Eastern Electric Minimax and JuicyMusic Peach.

Minimax definitely has 2 pair of outputs.  I don't know about the Peach.  If you find one you like w/o two pair of outs it is not necessarily a deal killer.  Any competent tech s/b able to add another set of outs for reasonable cost.

These are the ones I have direct experience with.  There are many others.

Not much out there in the way of reviews and user comments, but this JJ-243 intrigues me.....a lot!  Very interesting in how it has three different pair of outputs for better system matching.  The few comments I did find were favorable.  Great looks, and could be good value if you are willing to take the risk of a lesser known piece.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1270321640&/JJ-243-With-Phono

PS:   I know for a fact that one of these sold a few months ago for less than his ask.

[starkiller]

Aric Audio 3.6 would be great and brand new at around $325...had one and loved it, check his website and he also sells on ebay.