Decent preamp

I support the Freya + suggestion as well. It's balanced and akin to having three preamps in one box.   Depends on how patient you are.  I picked one up right here on Agon for $800 with an extra set of upgraded tubes! If you go this route make sure it's the Freya + and not the original Freya as it's a different beast. 

That proceed on eBay was for parts or not working. 

I found an amazing bargain on flea-bay. 
 Onkyo p-308.  Amazing preamp, quality, sound, superb piece!
   Love her!

arctikdeth, you're right about the Onykos. I owned the P303 way back in the early eighties. It was my first eye opener to a better world of electronics. Onyko reissued this great preamp called the P3000R. I'd give it a serious look. Joe

Croft IMO is the most bang for the buck in Audio .