Some pics to tease you all with.

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

12AX7's do have quite a lot of gain compared to something like a 12AU7, but as long as the tube is operated in its linear range you're fine for hi-fi use. As for current Amperex prices, Ebay would be your best reference //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

What kind of tubes did you pick up? If you have any 12AX7s you'd like to let go for cheap, I'd be very interested now //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif Along with 6CG7/6FQ7's...

As for a modestly priced kit, your best bet would be something by Bottlehead, or a DIY design. Most of the cost of a tube amp comes from the transformers (they literally make or break a design, definitely not a place to skimp). If you can find deals on surplus trannys, you're set.

 

[swc204 10+ year member]

looks sweet

 

[DiamondFanatic 10+ year member]

Are there other places besides that bottle head site to find DIY preamp kits? Nice looking work by the way, you've inspired me to want to build my own gear.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

http://www.hagtech.com/clarinet.html

Also Decware (http://www.decware.com) sells a kit for a line level preamp. They also make finished ones. I would check their forums and the forums at http://www.audioasylum.com (another place I frequent) to get info about homebrewing your own tube projects.