Musical Design 140i Preamp suggestions?

Any thoughts or experince with pairing a musical design 140i and a preamp? I'd like to keep the buget sub $1000 ( if possible :) i'v been leaning towards a tubed pre ( really like that tube sound ) Acoustic research ls2? i'v read good reviews...it's hard for me to audition anyting due to the fact i'm so far away from any hi-fi store. Just new to this hobby..Any help would be appreactated! I'm running a pair of 602 s3's