can I get your input on a inexpensive pre-amp


Could I please get some input on a pre-amp under 1k. I am thinking tube but maybe your experience can share differently. What I would like is a pre that very slightly deviates from neutral in 2 ways-It is slightly soft in the tweeter frequencies, adds just a hint of body(for instance on voices you recognize more of the body of the person, or on guitar you hear more of the body of the instrument). I would like it to do this with the least rounding off things so I don't lose the natural snap of sounds that give life to the music. I know neutral is somewhat subjective so use your baseline for neutrality and maybe give the context of that. Those that have experience with something like this could you share what you think. With all the pres out there I could probably be going in circles trying to check everyone's suggestions out so if this could be limited to your first hand knowledge I would really appreciated it. Thanks
marqmike
I think the Manley Jumbo Shrimp is just what you may need. Snappy ,lively and neutral, but a hint of fullness,tube magic and fullness. Usually see them used between $1200-$1600. Also outstanding build quality.
I see an AES DJH in the classifieds for $800 which is a good price. I owned one for several years and was extremely happy with it. It has a beautiful midrange. I had it connected to a Belles 150A. AES is a Cary design so you have someone to turn to if anything goes wrong.
Wow. Thank you for all your suggestions. It gives me plenty to check out. Thanks a lot.
For tubes you can probably find one of the Marsh, BAT, Manley, or Dodd pres in your budget used.