DOGE 8 Clarity - Is it in the running, really?

OK, I've seen the comments on the DODGE 8 clarity line stage, but haven't seen a real solid answer to MC output hiss. Is this unit a real contender as far as tubes go, and with the "right" tubes?

I'm also interested in peoples experience using the DODGE 8 Clarity with an extenal step-up device (I use a SimAudio MOON LP-5.3) into an AUX input. This would use LP's on the line stage only.

Also, are the tube upgrades from Pacific Valve & Electric any good? Or is it best to just get the pre amp and buy tubes of a different flavor elsewhere?

The web site states; The Doge 8 Clarity uses high quality Clarity and Musicaps throughout, so it seems more than just the phono section is changed over the standard DOGE 8.

This is an interesting unit for the price, and I'm curious just how good it really is. True, it's going to depend on the tubes, but do you all feel this unit compared to SS or tube units is in the running sound wise, and especially if you by pass the MC stage with an external MC amplifier?

What about the volume, is it course, fine, or abrupt in character with the remote function, and manual operation?

The lack of a balance is somewhat disappointing. Small changes in my system can improve the solidity of the image (one speaker is near a wall, the other open to a room).

I'm somewhat leary of the price, although this alone is no where near a sign of inferiority or excellence of sound.