linn kairn/kolector or tube preamp


so i need a new preamp...i'm planning on running a all linn rig/active..
currently i have a linn pretek and need to upgrade,ive seen the KAIRN pro for roughly the same price as the Kolector(USED on the GON)..
which of these 2 linn preamps would be the one to get?
also i have been recomended tube preamps but alas they were very expensive sugestions..
can any one sugest a tube preamp in the same price range as a used linn preamp($700ish) that dels with P.R.A.T and fits into a linn rig real well?
cheers
j
joolz
I bought an old Audible Illusions preamp which probably needs to be recapped and it simply dusts my Wakonda in my Aktiv Linn system. Every aspect is much better. I have also used a Supratek Syrah to great success but alas it belongs to a friend. I have great respect for the features on my Wakonda and it does sound very good but I'll most likely be putting it up for sale here in the near future and sticking with tubes.
I wresteled with this recently: sticking with Linn or experimenting with other sounds. I decided to experiment, for I already knew what I had.

I decided upon a simple 6SN7 tubed preamp (Cary design) which is most enjoyable. It also gives me a chance to fine tune the sound thru tube rolling. But there is no doubt, no matter what tube you select, tubed equipment editorializes the sound. This may be contrasted against the Linn house sound, which I consider remarkably neutral and accurate, particularly as you ascend their product lineup.

I have no regrets about this current turn, but I also think Linn gets it right and keeps it simple with 'control' and 'playback' elements of their product line (I've had issues with the Ikemi's poor chassis design). So make a high level choice: do you want to try something new and explore different ways of presenting music, or stick with what you know and be happy?

Best,
mprime.......good responce...
yes neutral is what i want......i acctually havnt had a lot of experience with different preamps but i am after a sound that issolates the instruments....i'm tired of cluttered drums,especially when loud guitars come in the drums get buried....maybe a wakonda or kairn will do this?
i jus wanted to pick the brains of you folks who may of already been through an amount of changes and can afford to.......i like to make a good desision early on as i dont have tons of money to keep bouncing equipment around...
thankyou all for replying to my post and have a good xmas..
julian