I'd second Buckingham on the Rogue Magnum 99 pre. I currently own it after having owned a number of solid state pre's and it is exceptional! Depth of soundstage, detail, musicality, a perfect match to balance the "characteristics" of a solid state amp. Other amps that you might want to look at, however, based upon your price point are the SAS Audio 10A ($1,430), which is an exceptional pre and a used Cary SL-50B(possibly less than $800.00). Happy hunting.
Kurt
Kurt