Monster pre

[tojoe]

Should one lay it out for a pro quality mic pre or go for a few in the mid range, for the color.

[bball jones]

I guess you mean a pre ranging anywhere from $800 and $2000 and beyond. I have seen positive comments around here on the dbx, joe meek, art, mindprint and others. All around $500 and under.
If I didn't have a ton o' money to burn, these are the ones I would look at.