need help choosing budget tube preamp

There are two AES AE-3 in the classifieds right now. It's a great sounding budget preamp.

I've heard Vlad's Audio Mirror T-61 on numerous occasions. It's a fine sounding tube preamp with remote for $700 new.

If you can live without a remote, the Melos SHA-1 is very nice.
This piece is to single ended & tubes like the Adcom GFP750 is to balanced & solid state - both excellent sounding through simple circuitry.
When you want to upgrade, you'll be able to sell it
for close to what you paid, in a couple of days...
I'd stick with separates. You'll have more options, as your system evolves.