GT Brick comes to mind.

$5?? I would recommend going to record-producer.com and checking out their microphone and microphone preamplifier examples. They feature a $1500 microphone preamplifier. A $200 microphone preamplifier. And a $5 microphone preamplifier that sounds rather good! The example just proves how good a five dollar microphone preamplifier can be in comparison to a $1500 microphone preamplifier! Quite funny and you won't believe your ears!

My ears are shot!
Ms. Remy Ann David
BANG!

Off the top of my head, I'd say...
Mindprint Envoice mkII (single 12AX7 tube pre)
GT Brick (like David said) (a multi- tube designed pre)
How about a Joe Meek. (uses opto amp, not a tube)

For $500.00 Something by M-Audio maybe. For $5.00 bucks, you are in the wrong business. That record producer.com test was funny but far from realistic, take that little mic pre amp and try getting quality when you are recording Whitney or Celine, we'll se if it can pass the test then.
I personally like my Avalon 737, it rocks :twisted: but now you are looking at $1600 if your cool with the Guitar center guys, if your not $2200.

Good Luck

Safe Sound P1

for 1 ch at $500 the grace 101 or the brick- both are pro pres, different flavors- grace is clean, brick is colored.

Thank you all for you're reply, I'll try all you're options and will see wich one will convince me, thanks again.

Zoro.:)