anyway back to topic.
i bought an AKG414buls for $450 used, in mint condition. so that would in effect leave you $300 for a pre amp. be a hawk, bargain people who need to sell at any cost, i know its evil, but you gotta do it. i know 100% that if you put the effort into it and didnt look for the FIRST buy, you could get a great used deal. and whoever mentioned the ADK tube mic is on the right track as well, that is my next mic (sometime in the next 12 months).