budget balanced pre amp, tube or SS?

I've been using a Marsh P2000b for years and find it to be very transparent and revealing but at the same time refined so it doesn't go too far. Thought that might be a good match for your system and I think it's under $1500 new. Here's a review from TAS although it's on the single-ended model, which is the same except lacks balanced connections:

http://www.avguide.com/products/product-2228/

Soundstage and Stereo Times reviewed the balanced version, FYI.

Best of luck.

Thanks for all tips guys!

@chadnliz So, you have some VMPS speakers? I am so jealous...the ones I had were destroyed in a fire last year and finding suitable replacements has taken a short minute or two...like nearly 9 months and I am STILL not sure about the replacements. We not only share the same taste in speakers, but in the kind of music we enjoy. Nice to meet someone here who is cut from similar cloth. I'd love to know more about your system and you personally. Drop me a note when you get a chance.

Hopefully after 17 years, the OP made a decision.