Looking for warmth but less money than the modded QS L/S? Maybe a used stock QS L/S, used C-J tubed pre, used Cary or Rogue also might do the trick. For a new preamp, not used, the tube preamps from Vincent are affordable and well reviewed. As long as you don't need a balance control, they are worth trying. You can get them from some of the mail order houses with a return option, IIRC.
