I have had good luck with my Van Alstine T7ecr, it is a hybrid unit using 12at7 tubes.I only paid 550 for a 14 month old unit.... Since you can always upgrade Van Alstine equipment, you can save in the long run. I have had nothing but trouble with tube pre-amps over the years, this is the 1st that actually has any bass (in my application).The only professional review I have read about this pre-amp was from Tom Tyson, he said it was similar to the Bent pre-amp, with more drama....very neutral.