Help with Pre-Amps

Some pre-amps have great phono stages built in (AR-6 and more). However, most pre's that I've played with have second rate phono stages.
I'd say keep your phono stage. Try different pre-amps. I'd go with one with fewer "gadgets" will probably sound best. You need to first determine what you are looking for: Warmth, detail, tubes, solid state only, remote control...

Also, what cartridge are you using? Nice table and I'd hate to see a $99 cartridge on it. My Sota makes it very easy to tell the difference in cartridges. Also, make sure you set up the weight and tracking properly. That makes the biggest difference of all.

Sarcher30 summed up things for you nicely and I would agree with the comment about carefully pursuing a passive preamp. They are great when done right, but limiting for future changes and require careful matching. Probably not the best idea for a neophyte (as you state you are).

There are many excellent preamps in a wide range of price points. Probably the first things to do would be to:
Set budget levels
What is the amp?
What are the speakers?
Is there a specific type of sound/performance/characteristics that are most important to you?
Will you have sources other than the turntable? What?

Many of us could list off a bunch of preamps in various price ranges that can be recommended, both new and used. Obviously, you can get excellent values in used equipment - especially right now (it is amazing how low prices are going).

So instead of spuing out a bunch of loose recommendations, post as many answers as you can and then we will throw our hats/hearts and recommendations out for you.

Hello, I currently have a
Pioneer Elite C-91 pre amp.
The midrange is very nice and airy, it also has
alot of presence.
You might find 1-2 on the bay, per week.
Just be careful, the you get one with the
remote, that is, IF you want a preamp with a remote.

Wow!! Thanks for all the responses', I can tell already that you guys are going to be a big help to me. With that being said here goes;
-Dear Mrjstark-please explain to me what "Tube Rolling" is?
-Dear Sarcher30-since I have purchased a phono pre already with multiple gain chips, I should then look for a linestage pre(w/o a phono stage)-correct?
-Dear Sarcher30- between $750 and $1,000 for the pre(linestage) would be what I'm willing to spend.
-Dear Elevick-I'm a tube guy. A brief history of myself-I'm a musician(guitar player to be exact)and it's taken me roughly 20 years to get my guitar rig sounding like what I envisioned in my head if ya know what I mean. Of course I want warmth, definition, crystal clear sound stage etc. Is there a- say utilitarian linestage pre that might be a good choice until my ears have developed and I can truly discern the "flavor of the different pre's" and "hear in my head what I'm eventually looking for? Elevick as far as a cartridge I do not yet have one. Don't know what kind to look into yet. This is or should I say will be my 1st real audio set-up. Don't worry, I won't put a $99 cartridge on it I can asure you of that. I also do not have a power amp yet either, same holds true for the speakers. I'm putting this system together from scratch and so far I've only purchased the SOTA Star Sapphire, a SOTA reflex clamp and the Promitheus Audio Phono pre. Thanks much guys for all the input, I really need it but I guess I don't need to tell you guys that! Thanks in advance for your help.
Phaseshifter

Phaseeshifter. Yes I would go with a linestage since you already have a phonostage.

I don't have any experience with preamps in that price range. I went from a $3,000 integrated amp (preamp and amp in same box) to a $4,500 preamp. Both pieces were new.

Buying used will allow you to get nicer equipment for the price but is more of a hassel, and usually you lose the warrenty unless it is transferable to the second owner.

I'm sure someone will have some nice recomendations in your price range.

Tube rolling is simply changing the tubes that came stock with the equipment to a different brand or vintage to adjust the sound to your liking.

You might want to pick up a copy of Robert Harleys Complete Guide To High End Audio. Most of the questions you have are covered in it except for specific equipment recomendations.

Cheers
Sean