The Classe' CP40 is a solid state preamp with phono stage and remote volume control priced at about $1,500. I compared it to the former top of the line Classe' model 6(twice the price) the the tubed VTL Deluxe. I thought it was better than both. This is the first solid state unit that I found to compete with a tubed preamp.
It's very quiet, has great bass extention and definition, great detail, soundstaging, and imaging (althought the soundstage isn't as deep as the tubed VTL. It's been in my system (Classe' amp, Thiel 1.5's) for 6months and just keeps sounding better. I replaced the existing power cord with the Synergistic A/C Master Coupler, and it was like upgrading to a much more costly preamp. Quieter, deeper bass, cleaner high end, etc. The combination of Classe' with AC Master Coupler is hard to beat at any price.

I know of nothing that comes close at the price, though I haven't spent time with the Audible Illusions.