1st, i tried a rogue *magnum* version of the 99, & it definitely did the depth thing! but, i lost a lot at the frequency extremes, especially the dynamics, range & texture in the bass. i tried nos tubes, which helped, but i couldn't live w/it. also seemed a bit coloured thruout the range, but i prolly wooda kept it if it got the bass right. in fairness, there may have been an impedence mismatch - rogue sez the output impedence is 100 ohms, but, after crosing the outputs w/resistors, my guess is 2400 ohms is closer.
next, i tried a cary slp98l. this was better in all aspects - not as coloured, and as extended in the bass as my linn. everything i wanted in a preamp! and, the wersion i tried dint have any of the upgrade caps cary offers. mite be even betteer w/them.
but, just days after buying the cary, i came across a melos music director (latest version of their ma333). i just *had* to try it, remembering how much i liked the sha-gold, the model below, a few years before. well, nice as the cary is, the melos is in another league altogether. sounds like *music*! :>)
i was able to try all this stuff, cuz i bought either used or demo - the only way to do it, unless yure loaded, or yer local dealer will lend ya everything ya wanna try.
the cary, a nice preamp, is definitely in your budget, if bought used, but the melos, (or something else in its price-range, used), isn't much more, & will take you to another level, imho.
regards, doug