ignore everything above
get a used itube for 100-150$ you can use it at 0 db or 6db gain as a preamp.it's really small one source rca in and out .great for fighting digital harshness and expanding the soundstage, the power supply and tube do not require an upgrade they use a nos ge tube which i know from other gear and their 50$ ipower. i'm using the itube with an arcam delta 120 power amp and b&w floorstanders (pc> ipurifier3>nuforce icon hd dac with ifi ipower (>hd700)> ifi itube preamp 0 gain>arcam delta120power amp>?b&w dm580. i am very happy with this set . got the itube from ebay used about a month ago used and a little cosmetically challenged for a 100.
get a used itube for 100-150$ you can use it at 0 db or 6db gain as a preamp.it's really small one source rca in and out .great for fighting digital harshness and expanding the soundstage, the power supply and tube do not require an upgrade they use a nos ge tube which i know from other gear and their 50$ ipower. i'm using the itube with an arcam delta 120 power amp and b&w floorstanders (pc> ipurifier3>nuforce icon hd dac with ifi ipower (>hd700)> ifi itube preamp 0 gain>arcam delta120power amp>?b&w dm580. i am very happy with this set . got the itube from ebay used about a month ago used and a little cosmetically challenged for a 100.