Best Chinese Preamp for Bryston 7B Sts?

A friend of mine just acquired a Ming Da preamp modded by Response Audio here on Agon. Not sure on the model though.
Has (2) 12ax7, (2) 12au7, and a rectifier tube.
No one else put in a bid so my friend acquired it for $500 plus shipping. Loaded with Vcaps. The mods alone cost $800 plus. This preamp bettered my VTL 2.5 and N.E.W (Cary) P3 preamps. Sounds very nice.
I've also read the Doge 8 is a strong performer but have not heard one.

Also concur with considering an American preamplifier.

Another benefit is that when you deal with American products they not only retain their value in a far superior manner, but you have actual interest in people buying them if you decide to get out later.

One product to think about is the AES AE-3 by Cary. It comes in under your budget, and is known to be a cut above most of the competition in the low-priced arena.

VAS Citation I.

The Mystere ca21 sounds fantastic. Brand new, it is $2300, but Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio may have a demo that he would sell you for less. He also likes the Mystere ca11, which is less expensive still.

While I agree that the resale value on Chinese products generally stinks, I will tell you that I replaced an Aesthetix Calypso ($5K retail) and a Manley Jumbo Shrimp ($3.5K) with the Mystere ca21 ($2.2K). The Mystere trumps both of those preamps -- it has a much better, wider soundstage, deeper bass, and a seductive mid-range and treble. I am using it with a Pass 150.5. The combination of the Mystere and Pass cost about 40% less than my previous setup, which was a VAC Phi 200 and the Aesthetix Calypso, and I have never been happier than I am now.

For what it's worth, Dick Olsher concluded his review of the Mystere ca21 by saying it sounds better than any preamp he has heard up to a retail price of $8K.

I have an astonishing Chinese (made by astonished Chinese people) Kavent S-33 preamp, a brand which seems to have vanished along with its resale value (although it's so good I doubt I'll sell it any time soon). So, now that I think about it, that suggestion is useless...sorry. Vincent makes good (Chinese) stuff which I know because a friend has one of their gigantic integrateds, and my Kavent has a circuit board that says "Vincent" on it. Also, that drop dead gorgeous "Doge 8" (how the hell do you pronounce "Doge?") preamp at Pacific Valve seems very cool and is sort of in your zone.