best pre-amp new or used for under $500?


Hello there, just bought a 2-channel power amp and need pre-amp advice. My budget is low, as the title above states, and the power amp is a Rotel RB-1080. Speakers will be either Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1, Dynaudio Excite X16 or Totem Rainmakers. I have not auditioned these speakers yet, they are on my list because of reputation, look and price. Source is a Yamaha CD changer, will upgrade that after the speakers arrive. Room will be small, 12x12x8. Would prefer to have a couple sets of pre-outs so I can hook up a sub if necessary. A remote is an absolute must, my listening sessions are 90-120 minutes long. Thanks in advance and happy listening.
realremo
My first choice is Nakamichi CA 5. Do not buy CA 5 MKII it does not even sound good. NAD 1020 is very good preamp for cheap. The Nak has a killer phono amp!
I would reconsider the Emotiva USP1. the bolts on the strip may look cheap, as you say, take them off and look inside. for $399 with a remote. It has no tone controls and a few other features you may find useable.
If you a Rotel amp why not match it up w/a Rotel pre-amp? It would cosmetically match. How about an RC-995? That would be my choice since it has a remote and it is a very good pre-amp. For a song you pick-up an older Rotel pre-amp (RC-970/980BX) that would sound very nice but would not have a remote.