Is there a killer preamp for 1500?

I can only comment on the Rogue 99. I had the magnum version in one of my systems and found it rather nice, but certainly no "killer preamp".

Mingles, as you appear to be potentially open to a SS solution, you may want to have a look at the JRDG Capri pre--which includes a remote control. At $2500 new, it is often offered used on Agon below your celing price . I currently prefer it to my own ARC Ref 3. I have just posted some updated comparative observations at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1200110667&openfrom&27&4#27
Guido

I've bought two 100 WPC monoblock Push-pull amps, a 25 WPC SEP amp and a preamp from Lamphear Electronics, Rome, NY, during the first six months of 2008. I couldn't be happier.

The guy is unreal about making the best possible product for the money. He's a perfectionist. My preamp (below) has enough juice to run 20 amps and it will put any Conrad Johnson product to shame. If you want something truly special, try Blair Lamphear and you'll never regret it.

The LE-PREAMP#1 Is the flagship and has the following features:
A) 600 Ohm Output
B) 1+ Watts of output power
C) Transformer coupled output
D) 6SN7 Driver and EL84 or 6V6 output stage
Competition Class: $5,000 and above
Promotion Price: $875.00 if you can still get it

You can tell from the basic spec's it's not your average preamp and will severely outperform most anything on the market. It will be able to drive any load to it's full potential without even trying. It will be 100% hand made and wired.

Regards, Hume