Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?

"those preamp brands will bust my budget"

Juicy should come in well under $1000 especially since you already have the phono pre-amp. Juicy is a stylistic challenge for some, but the best bargain in a tube pre-amp that I know of.

The others will likely come in on the flip side of $1000 somewhere I would guess.

In your price range, I'd be careful about SS pre-amps given that you are used to the Unico hybrid integrated. The Classe pre-amps or the Musical FIdelity A3CR pre-amp were my two leading contenders, but I decided to try the tube pre-amp plunge and have not regretted it.

Rebbi, I concur with Mapman that you would do well to consider a tube preamp. VTL is one to look at. If one becomes available, a VTL 2.5 will be under $1k. Tubes have added a naturalness and "realness" to instruments in the jazz I listen to.

Rebbe, another "pre-amp" that popped into my mind that might be worth considering is the PeachTree Decco. These can be had for under $500. It is a well reviewed (low power) hybrid integrated with tube DAC actually, but I'm thinking (not sure though) it might be used as a pre-amp only if desired. You would use digital out from your CD player (assuming that exists also) into the Decco. Phono would connect same as any other pre-amp. IF my assumptions are true, themn this would be the least expensive "high end" pre-amp solution I can think of.

Here's info on the Decco:

http://www.stereomojo.com/PeachTree%20Decco%20Review/PeachTreeDeccoReview.htm

I see the pre-amp out jacks on the rear photo, so I think this could work.

Rebbi - I also vote tube preamp. My C-J PV-11 mates well with my Odyssey Audio SS power amp. You might be able to find a nice C-J PV-5, 6, 11 or 12 within your budget. Look for one with a phono stage if you can find it. The MM phono stage in my PV-11 is very good. Other brands in your price range, used, are Rogue, ARC, and Audible Illusions.

IMHO, if you can't afford something decent right now, buy a cheep SS pre used (NAD, Rotel, etc.) as a place holder, and sell it when you have more cash for a better tube preamp.