Pre-Amp decision from a Newbie - Need Help

thanks to all for your responses so far. After further listening to this input, I think I'm headed for a tube pre-amp. This opens up a whole new world for me. I see so many options, as previously recommended, such as Audible Illusions, Marsh, Anthem, Odyssey Audio, etc. I'd really like to try to stay under a grand (new or used) and I'm looking for something that will add rich and full mids to the SS amp. No decision yet on interconnects or speaker cable either, although with my budget, I'm considering AudioQuest Jaguars and Type 6, respectively. With this cabling in mind, what type of tube pre-amp may be a good "first-jump"?

If you can swing a few extra bucks, look into an AVA (Audio by Van Alstine) Transcendence 7 SLR tube hybrid preamp for $1200.00 new. It is anything but tubey-sounding. It has (2) 12AU7 tubes in it used as voltage gain devices only. With the stock tubes, it is quite analytical, has great detail, AND has great bass slam. You can always roll tubes to taylor the sound to what you want, i.e., make it more euphonic. Go to audiocircle.com where there is an AVA circle. I own one, that's the best endorsement I can give.

AVA pre amps are a very good choice, trouble free, great sound.I have 2 of them

Analog Shop in Victor has a CJ PV10B w/phono stage adv. on the website for $799. This is probably close enough to you based on the roch.rr. address. A nice shop with low key guys. Haven't been there in a couple of years, but they seem to be in the business for the right reasons.
Plenty to be said for a home demo...

Spencer

Ok, with all these wonderful suggestions, my head hurts!! But here are two deals that I am currently considering: Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp with options on tube types, for half the price of MSRP (no remote) or Odyssey Audio Tempest for the list price from Factory Direct. Also offered was a Aragon 28K MkII for 650 and a Marsh pre-amp for 725.00. What does everyone think?