Low gain preamp options

Thanks for all the suggestions. I actually have looked into a lot of them. (I did make an effort to search before posting.) I’ll probably need to resign myself to some sort of compromise. Maybe 10-12dB isn’t too much. It seems like some of my desired features are mutually exclusive.

Because I want the option of using some low input impedance amplifiers, I don’t think a straight passive will be a good fit for me. I also like whatever tone a tube may impart and am interested in maybe getting a little more of that than the hybrid buffer of the Saga+ provides. I think a tube stage must provide more tone with gain though. This leaves adjustable gain preamps that seem to actually adjust the input attenuation rather than adjust the gain. (Still not sure on this.)

Maybe I’ll need to do more research on custom, DIY, and brush up on my electronics. If the actual gain of the tube circuit can be adjusted in conjunction with and opposite to input attenuation then there can be a neutral effect on total gain while listening for what combination gives the best tone or presence (or whatever magic it is that I like about tubes). Once that is adjusted a separate volume control and source selector could be added. I can’t be the first person to want something like this. Maybe it just isn’t worth the trouble.

Anyone recommend a good book on audio tube circuit design? The few EE classes I took years ago only covered the basics in solid state.

look at the rogue audio RH 5 linestage headphone amp.  
front panel adjustable gain toggles of 3, 12 and 16db.  
sounds transparent and very dynamic.  love the sound.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-rh-5-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier

@cat_doorman,
This is the preamp that includes all the desired features that you list in your post. btw, I have speakers that have efficiency >2.6%. So i understand the need for controlling gain i.e. Voltage in audio components. It is very important for sound quality. With this preamp, output voltage is adjustable from 0~35 volts. Hope this helps.


https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZTPRE.html

Because I want the option of using some low input impedance amplifiers, I don’t think a straight passive will be a good fit for me.

Only valid reason in this case for not using one, but why anyone would want an amp with 2k input impedance is wrong also, as you can’t even use tube preamps into them either! And even solid state preamps that have output coupling caps too small for that 2k impedance, as the bass rolls off if it is.

Cheers George

@georgehifi,
not sure where you're pulling 2k from. I have one amp now with 22k input impedance, and there are a some others that I'm interested in at 15k and 10k. I just don't believe in limiting my future options without reason. I also have the bad habit of leaving more than one amp connected to my pre even though I only have one amp powered at a time. Makes for an easier change, but it can present more of a challenge to a preamp. When I finally get around to experimenting with subs (that typically have class D amps) being able to handle multiple outputs simultaneously with a combined impedance under 10k might become more important. My arbitrary maximum of 500ohms would allow 10:1 ratio with two 10k loads in parallel.