I would recommend a BentAudio transformer based passive but they're hard to find until John Chapman starts selling them again.
This transformer based passive is available and has received good feedback today in the Madisound.com forum. It does cost a bit more.
http://www.soniceuphoria.com/Here is a tubed base pre-amp within your budget that has received good reviews...
Eastern Electric MiniMax Tube Preamplifier $799
http://www.morningstaraudio.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1If you are going to try the Creek passive, buy it from AudioAdvisor where you can return it if it doesn't match well with your system. Since it is resistor based, you need to keep the IC runs short.
Since you are thinking AKSA amps, why not ask for anyone selling their AKSA GK1 preamp? Rocket (Rod)is selling a bunch of gear, might ask him.