cambridge or nad preamp

I think the advice of going used is VERY good. If you go with something like Bryston, there is a fully transferable 20 year waranty so you can get a used one without much worry. Look for an old 11B. My first separate pre-amp was a 0.5b that while inferior to what I have now, was awfully good for the money and indestructable to boot.

If you are persuaded to look at the used market then check also for Audiolab pre-amps ... they sound great, they're versatile, and they last forever. And for some reason they're cheap used on this side of the Atlantic.

All good advice. Used is definitely your way to go. You can pickup a used Anthem Pre1L for $395 on the AudiogoN right now (unless it's been sold already). Lots of great stuff for under $500, virtually all better than the Cambridge or NAD. Plus, by going used, you won't take the hit in depreciation like you would with the NAD and Cambridge, neither of which will have much demand in the used market.

Just doing a very quick search, I found a PS Audio 5.5 ($395), Threshold NS10 ($400), Aragon 24K ($350), Audio Research LS3 ($500), Meridian 501 ($400), etc., etc.

All good stuff. Enjoy your purchase! Good luck.