I fancy getting into a bit of valve loveliness but having not had anything valve before (despite hearing plenty over the years), I need some pointers. Currently I use my Leema DAC as a preamp connected directly via XLR to my Bel Canto Ref500s - and a frickin’ good combo it is too. ‘Clean and crisp’ isn’t enough to describe just how clean and crisp it is, very VERY revealing too. But I’d like to have the option of some valve creaminess as well. Of course I can chop and change as the mood takes me.

So I’m looking for a valve-based preamp, balanced inputs and outputs, and with a remote (essential). I don’t want to spend mortgage money on one but I could easily go to £1,500-£2,000 which I would hope is enough to procure a decent enough piece of kit. Obviously a used preamp would get me more value for money.

I’ve seen the Firebird Class A Balanced Preamp which is configurable upon ordering, but it’s not a company I’m familiar with so have no reviews to read.

So, your suggestions please good sirs and madams.