I have one of these preamps and I use it as a backup. Sometimes I connect it to my main preamp just to use the phono section when I'm between purchases for a phono preamp. I have neve changed the tubes in it and I'm not the original owner. The phono section sounds pretty good.
It is the main preamp in my bedroom system with a Sunfire Signature amp and a pair of Infinity Kappa 200 speakers...after it gets warmed up for a few hours, it sounds really nice. Get yourself a nice cd player and some decent cabling and you'll have yourself something nice. They usually sell for around $500 used. I'm never selling mine.
It is the main preamp in my bedroom system with a Sunfire Signature amp and a pair of Infinity Kappa 200 speakers...after it gets warmed up for a few hours, it sounds really nice. Get yourself a nice cd player and some decent cabling and you'll have yourself something nice. They usually sell for around $500 used. I'm never selling mine.