Tube pre around 1000, Audible Illusions or belles

Apologies in advance for not responding with the two units you referred to in mind, but I recently got an Audio Electronic Supply (AES/Cary) AE-3 preamp that is very minimalist (only 3 inputs and one set of outputs) but MAN, this thing has blown me away with how sweet-sounding it is! Build and parts quality is much higher than you might expect at the price. Someone recently described the sound of the AES stuff to me as "shimmering like a fine diamond" and I couldn't have put it any better. Lush and full-bodied, but not rolled off in the highs. Bass is perhaps a tad 'rubbery' for some, but not me. Up until recently I had an Audio Research tubed preamp, but have finally admitted to myself that I prefer more of a 'tubey' and 'euphonic' sound to a 'neutral' and 'accurate/analytical' sound (very un-audiophile of me, I know) and I am just enjoying listening to music a LOT more these days. Plenty of inexpensive tube-rolling possibilities with the AE-3's 6SN7 tubes, and they usually go for only around $450 used (more for the remote version).

On another note, I seem to remember reading that the AI pre-amps sound great, but are pretty hard on tubes, FWIW.

Good luck with whatever you decide on. :)

Look at a Decware CSP2 (about $800). Use the money saved to but CDs.

I have a belles 21A with a classe amp, CA2200 and they sound very good together. I would strongly recommend one with the Auricap capacitors. These are four very large yellow capacitors that can be seen in the vent holes. I think that it was a steal at $3000 and used even more so.

Galen Carol Audio has a very recent Quicksilver tubed preamp for $750.00. The sound of that unit might very well suit you. Positive-feedback reviewed one if you're not familiar.