The IX-One uses the mic pres off the 924 console. They are very good and are designed by Malcolm Toft.
I am not sure what mic pres your thinking of Tubedude, but most of the early stuff from the 80B and Trident 65 was not very good. The new 80B and "A" Range modules from Trident-MTA are very good, but costly. The IX-One is a great way to get a great mic pre at a good deal. Hell, your talking $62.00 per channel!