Jim Bonjourno is making a line called Spread Spectrum Technologies. He has a preamp called Ambrosia... It has tone controls. I have not heard it, but have read maybe a 1/2 dozen reviews. The worst of the write ups say that it is outstanding and is truely a hybrid in sound between very good tube and very good transistor. I don't know your budgets, but this is worth looking at.
After I read all of this, I re read your post and saw the price range that you are looking at. I decided to leave the above, but recommend: No tone controls, but wonderful gear.
Musical Fidelity A3CR
Muse Model 3
Audio Research LS9
Coda Window Continuum 4
All very good and can be had @ $500.00 to $800.00 on the used market.
After I read all of this, I re read your post and saw the price range that you are looking at. I decided to leave the above, but recommend: No tone controls, but wonderful gear.
Musical Fidelity A3CR
Muse Model 3
Audio Research LS9
Coda Window Continuum 4
All very good and can be had @ $500.00 to $800.00 on the used market.