Can you recommend a simple Tube pre amp?

Over the years, I've tried many different flavors of preamps, solid state, transfromer-based passive (which was superb, by the way), and now my second tube preamp.

I had the itch for some time to build a tube preamp, so I built a Transcedence Sounds Grounded Grid kit. I liked it so much, I sold my longtime favorite passive pre, and am using the Grounded Grid pre every day.

I put in better ouput caps, NOS Amperex 12AU7 tubes, better wiring and a motorized remote volume control, but I understand these units sound great without doing anything extra to them, and, for $499, you can't hardly beat the price.

I highly recommended giving one a try.

Best regards,
Dan

Maple shade or if you can snag a good deal on a Dodd.

I have been delighted with a BAT VK-3i for the last 15 years and it pretty much fits the bill you want. Total of four controls--power toggle, mute toggle, volume knob, source switch. Fully balanced circuitry. XLR and RCA inputs and outputs. Phono was an optional add-on, as was the remote. Built like a tank and you can tube roll. BAT provides amazing service and support too.

Quicksilver is outstanding gear. I have a ten year old preamp and never a glitch.

Problem is that you have not stated a budget. If between $1000-$1500 then then I +1 the Quicksilver. I own a Jolida Fusion and at $1300 I believe it would be hard to beat. If you have a greater budget the flood gates open. I am not sure what I would do if I had greater $$$ to spend on a tube pre, however tube pre it would be.