I have run
393>sax>Mod SBM>D100
391(3)>B-18 power supply>AT CP8201 transformers>Mod SBM>D100
391(3)>MP2>Mod SBM1>D100
and truth be told I like the mp2>sbm combo the most, of course this probably has something to do with it being my current rig
honestly though I made some great tapes with no pre and using the transformers.
Best advice I can give you is to check some of it out yourself. PM me and I can set you up with some sample tracks...dave matthews, Pat McGee, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cast Iron Filter, Particle, New Monsoon, quite a few local bands....let me know.