I have experienced outstanding results when driving the McCormack DNA1 Dlx. with a Golden Tube SEP-2. It even comes with a remote, but is no longer manufactured although tech support for GTA products is still fairly readily available. Beautiful deep & wide stage with sparkling highs; even with economical cabling & a stock AC cord I was amazed. This is the only tube pre I've tried that isn't microphonic and doesn't exhibit that annoying tube-rush; I use horn speakers which reveal *everything* they're SO very sensitive. I've had my SEP-2 in storage for awhile, but sorry it's unavailable. I intend to reinstall that system & experiment with deluxe-level cabling (now that I have some) and try out some NOS tube rolling. The SEP-2 can be hard to find, but is well worth looking for & is even below your pricerange; I've seen them here for ~$650 without the phono board (if you don't play vinyl then you may not even want the phono option, which is somewhat harder to find).
I also run the McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe with my DNA-1 Deluxe; the SEP-2 was far preferrable with a much warmer full-bodied signature although I must say the TLC was indeed highly transparent, if a bit thin.
I also run the McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe with my DNA-1 Deluxe; the SEP-2 was far preferrable with a much warmer full-bodied signature although I must say the TLC was indeed highly transparent, if a bit thin.