not really sure if the headlite's preamp is similar, but it does sound pretty darn good w/ my realist loaded upright.
and really dig the headlite w/ the MM cab. sheer authoritative punch city.
I have a friend who uses the Headlite with a Realist. He's very happy with it. I thought the Genz 9.0 sounded better, but my friend prefers the SWR. He uses it with an Epi UL112. Adds an Epi UL110 when needed.