You might want to check out Joule Electra. I've used their 100 pre with Cary 300b momoblocks into Merlin VSM SEs with great results. On the budget side, Audible Illusions barks up the "tubier" sounding side of the tree. I had good results with this pre in the aforementioned system, as well. Got to be careful with reliability on the AI stuff, though, service problems are legendary.
Good Luck
Marty
Good Luck
Marty