best pre-amp new or used for under $500?


Hello there, just bought a 2-channel power amp and need pre-amp advice. My budget is low, as the title above states, and the power amp is a Rotel RB-1080. Speakers will be either Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1, Dynaudio Excite X16 or Totem Rainmakers. I have not auditioned these speakers yet, they are on my list because of reputation, look and price. Source is a Yamaha CD changer, will upgrade that after the speakers arrive. Room will be small, 12x12x8. Would prefer to have a couple sets of pre-outs so I can hook up a sub if necessary. A remote is an absolute must, my listening sessions are 90-120 minutes long. Thanks in advance and happy listening.
realremo
By all means, check out a used Morrison ELAD. I have been using one that I bought new for 9 years. I know that there is a lot of hype about it being the best ever, etc., and that can be a real turn-off. My experience has been that it is utterly reliable, quiet, and musical. Is it the best ever? I would say no, because last year I bought a Joule Electra LAT-100 mK III, and it has more depth and dimensionality to the sound, as tubes will, but the Morrison is still a great sounding unit. I will never sell mine. You can frequently find them used in your price range.
Sorry Realremo, I jumped the gun. I just looked back at your thread and realized that you need a remote controlled unit which the Morrison is not. Sorry about that.
Ck - I think the 326 is 50wpc, my Rotel amp is 200wpc and the speakers I plan to buy like a lot of watts, so I don't think I want to go the integrated route.
Roxy54 - thanks anyway, always good to hear about new gear. I will research the brand.
I have already considered the following:
parasound new classic 2100 (goes quick on Agon)
Anthem TLP-1 (very rare to find used)
Emotiva USP-1 (those bolt on metal strips look cheap)
Pacific Valve Audio gd PS 2 (just found this one, link: http://www.pacificvalve.us/AUDIOGDP2.html, does anyone have one of these units?)
Realremo,

How about a used NAD pre? Not sure what models to look for thought.

Cheers!
Rotel RC1070s go for <$350 and would be a natural with your amp.

A better pre is the B&K PT3 or PT5, but they don't have the phono stage which the Rotel has. Not an issue if you don't need a phono. The B&Ks have a sub out, and also dual main outs.