I think your likely first choice is an ARC SP-8; the SP-8 MkI will give you a very tight low end and good midrange and top end, but the SP-8 MkII will give you an extra layer of air and musicalness. One other possiblity is the a ARC SP-3A1 which is a very enjoyable sounding preamp, but I think what you are looking for is a SP-8 MkII. You should be able to buy either of these preamps, listen to it for a year and if you want, sell them for within a $100 of what you paid for them. If you need to drive a low output MC coil cartrdige, you should consider a ARC PH5, EAR 834P, or ARC PH-2 probably in that order (most expensive to least expensive). Alternatively, with some MC cartidges you might be able to make due with an ARC SP-10 (which has lots of gain) which would cost less than a SP-8 plus the PH5 and it is a classic. SP-10s are hard to find, but they are out there; on the other hand, SP-10s eat tubes (and they have lots of them) much faster than SP-8s.
The prudent choice would be a SP-8 MkII plus a pre preamp if you need one for a MC.
The prudent choice would be a SP-8 MkII plus a pre preamp if you need one for a MC.