Numpty Preamp Qs

[JonEdwards]

Hello all. First post, and relative noobie to the DIY Hifi world. I've plenty of experience of breaking, fixing and making all sorts of stuff, including some basic audio skills (I'm a lighting designer, so have spent many years digging noiseboys out of the doodoo ) ;but I'm quite lacking in the theory, and its been a while since A-level physics. Moderately handy with a soldering iron (happy making cables etc)

Anyway.

I'm looking at upgrading my amps in DIY stylee (mostly because I'm a skinflint). Currently running a Quad 34 and 2 Quad 306's (passively biamped) into a pair of PMC TB2s

Power amp kits/modules seem pretty easy to come by (quite taken by the Hypex stuff).

Preamps seem more of an issue. Prior to getting the 34, I ran one of the 306's via a "passive pre" (100k Alps blue pot in a box). It worked, and at the time sounded OK, but compared to the 34 lacked life, and for want of a better term "oomph". So at that point, I guess I need something with a bit of gain. I'd also like balanced outputs, plus the option to add an active crossover at a later date. (have seen the BMM active modules which seem like the right thing).

I don't need much in the way of inputs - Cdp (old skool Rega Planet) and iPod.

So basic spec would be:

2x line level inputs
Some gain (how much?? I think the Rega puts out 2V max)
Volume control
2-way active crossover (3kHz for the PMCs, not sure about the slope)
Balanced outs.
Transformer and powersupply to make it all work!

So can anybody reccomend somewhere to start? I'd rather deal with kits or pre-assembled modules, rather than working from a schematic, certainly until I get my confidence up.

Many thanks!

Jon