What tubed preamp that is not too fussy ?

transcendent grounded grid.

Second the c-j PV10. I've had a PV-11 since 1991 with zero problems. A friend has had a PV-10 for 6+ years with similar success. Should you ever need it, c-j's support is topnotch even if you bought it used.

Another vote for either the LS-7 or PV-10. The LS 1 or 3 are closer to your price range however and they are good line stages for the price.:)

audible illusions....IID or 3 whatever your budget permits. the only drawback to the units, it is a little hard on the tubes.

if you can stretch, the bat 3vki is a killer and upgradeable/remoteable/phono stage...

mike

I have been through several preamps in the last couple of years looking for the ultimate " non fussy pre".
One that I could just sit back and enjoy the music without analyzing or wasting time looking for nth degree all of the time.
What I ended up with shocked even me. I am now using a AES/Ae-1 that I bought just as a hold over until I could determine what the ultimat pre would be for me.
I just love it. I am not rolling tubes every other week anymore. I am not repositioning stuff trying to find that extra little "nnnth" degree of resolution. It just works.
I will never sell it, that is for sure.