Integrated with good preamp & pre out

OK maybe an odd approach but that's why I am posting. I love the sound of my upgraded McIntosh MC250 but am so-so on my Acurus pre and others I have tried have not worked for various reasons...lack of inputs, wife's fear of tubes, tube heat, lack of impact, too bright etc. I have looked at various Mac pres but the better ones are out of range right now as I retired due to reasons out of my control. I also am pushed for space and with little chance of that changing. It occurred to me maybe there is a good integrated amp out there with a good pre in it that could be my pre AND a backup integrated. I can't go over$1k. I have seen Creek, Rega, YBA, others that could work on Agon but know nothing about these. Anyone else used an integrated this way and found a gem to recommend?