I'm looking to build a tube preamp. I have built my scanspeak based speaker from a Kit and I have built a solid-state Class AB power amp (akitika). So, I can solder OK, read manuals, check values, etc. But I am still googling basic electronics all the time.
I would like to have a nice tube preamp - you are all raving about them all the time. I would want it to color the sounds a little. But damn, they seem expensive, unless they are Chinese and cost 120 usd.
Can you recommend a good place to start to build / mod a preamp? Ideally, I am looking for:
Warm sound
3 inputs
Remote for volume as a min. (it can be minimal 2 buttons, but I would to mod an old solid metal B&O remote)
Good volume control implemented with buffer etc.
Bonus for 2 x output
No phono (I only run digital)
No tone controls needed
Budget 600-700 USD.
Building speakers and my solid state amp, I feel like I built something that compares to 5-6x the price of MSRP, is that possible in Tube Preamps? Or should you only build for fun? I see the Conrad Johnson project Preamp on the channel - did anyone do a more detailed write up or an upgrade of the Asian version?
Sorry, if i'm asking things there was answered somewhere else.
To my way of thinking what you want is a bit ass about face. The warm smooth sound of a tube amp comes from, wait for it, the output tubes. Ideally, a pre-amp, and the front end of a tube amp, are quiet, and neither add, nor detract, from the original signal.
Ok, so here we are, and you don't have what you seem to want.
I was going to recommend a visit to Transcendent Sound  To look at "the fixer", or "the masterpiece", and you can still do that, but I see Bruce is backing away from the business and is no longer offering full kits.
He is offering bags of parts and manuals, you supply the chassis, transformers, and labour.
The other thing I have found, that could prove interesting is a pre-amp from here:
A review of one is here:
https://www.jensign.com/TubeHead/
I have never connected with PAiA, for whatever reason.
Anyway................ good luck.