You are SOL on finding a pre at your price point unless you are OK with buying used.
Not necessarily. I purchased my factory sealed Denon 3311ci from an authorized vendor (jr.com) for well under his price point. You just need to call them and ask for a discount.
M22's x 3, QS8's x 4 SVS PC12-Plus, Denon 3311ci Ear-to-ear grin? Priceless!