Space-Tech Laboratory preamps

Hey, does anyone have any experience with space-tech laboratory? i recently bought their bottom of the line tube preamp (line stage) with only one set of inputs for back up as i searched for an arc ref-1 or somethign of that ilk but i REALLY like this preamp. it cost $300 (new) and beat out my morrison elad and my audio research sp9mkII in an a/b comparison by a LONG shot. i'm now thinking of upgrading to a much more expensive model (dont worry, i'm not selling this one - it's always going to serve as a backup because it's too cheap to bother selling) but would like some reviews first. i'm especially interested in their phono stages - not interested in their amps since i've just bought a vt100 and love it. if anyone's interested and wants to check them out and give feedback to me privately after reviewing their products on a technical level please do. they're at space-tech-lab.com. i'm most interested in why a $300 space tech would sound so much better than these otehr amps i've tried. does this have to do with the lack of controls? it's only got an on switch, no balance, no mute, no phono or tape or aux. can it be that i'm using acoustat electrostats?? any thoughts are greatly appreciated before i spend big bucks on a piece that's a bit tough to sell on resale (as opposed to arc for example). i did a search on audioasylum and a few people have heard about space-tech but i'm looking for as much info as possible.
thanks