Good luck on your pre search. Another pre you should consider is the deHavilland UltraVerve. I'm thrilled with mine. For details on what it did for my system, check my review in the amp/pre review section on Agon.
Cheers
http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm
Cheers
http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm