Look for a good used toob unit. Almost no toob hassle, and warm glowing toob sound.
VTL, Manley, Cary, BAT, CJ, AR
All are out there and will give you most of what you seek.
I saw CJ 10B with phono section on either here or e-bay this morning for less than a kilo buck and I'll bet a 750 offer would take the unit.
You can sell it for that if you don't like it.
B&K is nice but cool, Anthem I've not heard (but look interesting), and the Halo pre's are in my IMLHO over rated.
VTL, Manley, Cary, BAT, CJ, AR
All are out there and will give you most of what you seek.
I saw CJ 10B with phono section on either here or e-bay this morning for less than a kilo buck and I'll bet a 750 offer would take the unit.
You can sell it for that if you don't like it.
B&K is nice but cool, Anthem I've not heard (but look interesting), and the Halo pre's are in my IMLHO over rated.