Best sub 1k tube pre amp for ss amp

Dare to be your own "Budget Boss" !! Failing that, I would recommend a CJ PV-11 or CJ PV-5.

Csericks, I did that (drove S-S poweramps with a V-T preamp) very succesfully with various CJ preamps. With fono stage and for little money, my choice was a CJ PV5. It has gobs of gain (70dB), low noise, and low output impedance, something highly beneficial with low-input-impedance SS poweramps. (Seems to me the Audible Illlusions did not have cathode folowers and hence had high output impedance?)

I have a great-sounding, fully functional, highly improved PV5 available; e-mail me at [email protected] if you're at all interested.

have you considered a 2nd hand eastern electric minimax?
i've seen plenty here on audiogon. great little pre! i'm very happy with mine.

ARC, quicksilver, transcendent, or audible illusions.