Valve Analog Preamp, tla audio only decent option on budget? Options

[pixelboy]

Hi there
I´m creating dance music basically on my PB G4 with Logic 7, Live and Soft synths.
I´m locking for a decent valve front end that allows me to do preety much the works, guitar, mic, warming up signal to connect to my emi since I feel as tha need for some unstable analog harmonics to be added to my signal.

The thing is that I cant find a decently priced valve preamp, I am thinking of TLA as friends tell me its good, the thing is that most of them have also compresser and eq, and probably I wont be using it (I preffer plug-ins).
So basically I want a good sinal warmer (pardon for the english) that allows me to add that extra something valve thing until overdrive

Any good sugestions?
Thanks
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[flemming]

There's nothing wrong with solid state gear when price is an issue, but when you establish yourself and money is more available, don't avoid tubes.

I never said anything about avoiding tubes at all. In fact, I said I've got tube gear myself – tla desk, neumann v72 modules, altec and fairchild preamps, all of which would fall into the money is more available-category, I take it? My favourite mic is a tube mic (AKG C12a). I'm not anti-tubes at all. What I DID say was don't believe the hype that a tube in the circuit automatically adds warmth or makes for a better sound. It's bollocks, as more or less all pro engineers will tell you. Tubes tend to roll off the highs and lows, freq wise, and there's a certain 'compression'-like character in the dynamic realm as well. This doesn't really qualify as warmth-inducers. If you want that sort of sound, go for it, but it is not a warm sound in itself.

Let me paraphraze you and say: There's nothing wrong with neither tube nor solid state gear, when money ISN'T an issue. But if you're craving for a warm 'analog' sound, chances are you're actually thinking of a Neve or early (SL4000e and earlier) SSL sound. Pricey stuff in itself, but not tubey. And when money IS an issue (as is the case here), it's worth remembering that tube based designs basically are more expensive to make, so if you're on a budget, you'll get less bang for your buck by going the tube route. I personally think it's kinda sad to see people spending their hard earned cash on less good sounding gear, just because they think it'll sound better (warmer) because there's a tube in it. That's all I'm saying. :-)