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.