Help with Pre-Amps

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

Hi Sean,
I most certainly will pick up a copy of Robert Harleys book and thanks for the recommendation to do so. Hypothetical situation if I may. You are obviously very knowledgeable about high-end audio but say for instance you had a SOTA Star Sapphire(very heavy) in the neighborhood of 50lbs with a Rega RB301 on it what cartridge choice would you consider in the $750 plus, maybe a little more for the table. Does this question make any sense seeing as I have only the aforementioned equipment in our other threads?
thanks Sean,
Phaseshifter

In your price range, I would consider a Quicksilver Audio linestage, very, very good for the price. I don't think it is much above that new, and should be in your range used.

From the QS website:

"I don't know of a better line stage preamp for around a kilobuck." Sam Tellig, Stereophile,March 2001

The Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp embodies the Quicksilver philosophy of simplicity. It uses only one 12AX7 per channel, resulting in a very direct sound. A precision Alps attenuator, with 41 detents, is used for the volume control. The gold-plated Teflon insert RCA jacks are chassis mounted for long life. Gain is 18 db. Minimum load is 20 Kohms. Price $1095 NEW!

Another one is Mapletree Audio linestage. For about $800 it is a bargain with planty left for the phono amp/stage.
You would have to spend at least twice that much to get meaningful improvments.
keep in mind.......there is planty to choose from.
It all depends on your taste and preferences.
The hardest thing is to figure out what you really want and how much you want to spend to get there.

Cheers
Mariusz