Budget Preamps for Atmaspheres?

Jeffrey- I would caution you on the Atmas running single-ended. I had a buzz I could not get rid of (Ralph calls for a shorting pin in the XLRs if you run single-ended, but it was not a complete solution for me), but more importantly, they sound better through the XLR input even from my VAC pre, which I am told is only a pseudo-balanced output.

If you want to try a balanced unit, look for a used BAT VK3 which should come in at your price. The Atmas do sound much better run balanced.