Good tube preamp with Sony 5400


I am looking for a tube preamp for sony5400 running Focal 918s. I set my sights on the Doge 8 and looks like about a 2k investment with tube upgrades.
Is the Doge in the same coversation with the likes of Cary, Joule, or even Mcintosh C220?
I am looking to warm up a bit.
Would an extra $500 to $1000 investment make a big difference?
mcpherson
Thorman
When you say an original are you referring to the ta1000 as far as line stage. If so what price range are we talking?
I just read the response from Ted at Thor. He was very nice and prompt. Their new line stage will retail for around 17K. He suggested picking up a used one and upgrades can be done in stages if wanted.
He even offered to check out and clean the unit if I decide to go that route. A+ for Thor so far and I havent even heard one.haha
Well well...a used Thor has popped up but way over my budget for now.:( Not sure if it would be worth it to buy an entry level tube pre to tinker around with for a while or not. The "tube" curiosity is getting to me.haha