Try an HHB Radius 40 (solid state/tube hybrid). It's one channel of pre and compressor at around a grand or less, Canadian, that is  .(our dollar sucks hole)
It's been a while since I've used one, so I can't quite recall how much colouration it posesses.
Anyone else?
Spencer
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"I prefer to beat my opponents the old-fashioned way....BRUTALLY!!!!"
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