The M-Audio Tampa is a very competent preamp indeed with AD conversion on board ... but IMO it's not in the same league as the Meek pre, EQ, comp and AD as a package. But it's certainly quite a bit less costly!!
I was wondering if EMU 1820/1820M would do a better job with the DSP chip on board. With this set up I would also have an amplifier for the headphones.