Used preamps under $500 better than Audiolab 8000C


I just got an Audiolab 8000C and i'm wondering if in the price range of $400-$500 can I get better sound? I'm an avid vinyl fan and need tone controls. It sounds good, just wondering if I can do better? Any w/remote?
mattcecil
No tone controls but what about a passive pre-amp? I've been tempted to try passives before just never got around to it.
If you don't mind getting vintage tube gear, there are many choices under $500. Some of those out performs some $1500 to $5000 full functon preamps we owned in over five different setups.
S23chang...I'd love to get into old tube gear, but I really know nothing about them. I have searched audiogon's list of tube preamps however, but found them to be really expensive. Do you have any in mind you'd recomend or to keep an eye out for? matt