First Tube Preamp

Grado, you don’t mention the size of your bank ... but there are a number of tube pre’s out there that have excellent phono stages that see now and again on Audiogon. Have a look at http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Preamplifiers.html. for some ideas.

regards
Paul

If you can find one a Conrad-Johnson PV11 is a great tube preamp. It is usually around 700 on the Gon. I used one for years with my Sonagraph SG-3 turntable with a Sumiko LMT arm. Still use the turntable and see no reason to change. Anything else C-J makes I can also recomend, right now I am using their Premier 16.
BTW the PV11 comes with a very nice phono stage

I did the same thing recently after being a SS guy since the purchase of my first system. I was curious about all the fuss around tubes but at the same time didn't know what to expect or what to look for. After careful thought and many reviews, I've decided to go for a Conrad Johnson. One of the best decisions I've made with audio. Mainly because of the value, reputation and general availability of their gear.

CJ offer preamps in different price levels. A lot are available on the used market. I think it is mainly because you can upgrade your CJ for a better CJ without taking a new mortgage or divorcing your wife eveytime. A lot of people do this without changing for another brand.

Whatever the model, there is always somebody, somewhere who is going to come out with a better preamp for the same amount of bucks. This is called competition. But as a first experiment with tubes, a CJ will not let you down being simply for your listening pleasure and/or the possibility of trading it quickly for an upgrade.

Good luck !

Find an AES 3 made by Cary under the name Audio Electric Supply. I've had one for at least a couple of years now and I just love it. Watch for a used one here on Audiogon and be sure to get a couple good NOS (new old stock) tubes. I bought a few Sylvanias. It has three inputs and one out plus a volume control. No remote, nothing fancy, but I do believe you'll like it. Good luck and happy listening.