pre-amp with voltage gain from transformer only

[AudioGeek]

Here's what I want to do:

Develop a pre-amp with about 8-9 voltage gain using just transformers (preferably nickel).

Use tubes to get decent input and output impedance.

question is should i:

A) go with transformer / tube / transformer
B) tube / transformer / tube?

I will use cathode followers.

ideas?

[SY]

Input transformers handle signal at lower level and can achieve better common-mode rejection than output transformers. So that's the best place to put it. A cathode follower presents a nice, easy load and can be designed to do a fine job as a buffer for reasonable cable/amp input loads.