Here's a SS passive pre that may challenge your Ref2: the Music First Passive Magnetic Preamplifie. If you do investigate this unit please be sure to report your findings; it sounds intriguing.
BTW it costs far less than your price but that does not mean it's not a contender; check out that review.
BTW it costs far less than your price but that does not mean it's not a contender; check out that review.