Preamp suggestions, yes again

frank van alstine and klaus bunge are two stalwarts in made in usa hi fi amplification (though klaus has ties w symphonic line of germany)

hard to go wrong with either of their products, i have first hand experience

from my experience, klaus has a slightly more sophisticated sound (lil more silky mids and highs) and frank’s stuff is very transparent but not at all harsh

their production values and design are superb, not big marketers, but just wonderful products and people, no BS all substance, klaus can be a lil more edgy in his dealings with you but he means well and usually delivers

frank is just a prince, one of the best guys in audio

If you built your own amps, you might consider building your pre too. Here's a link to the kit don Sachs uses to make his machine... Right around your $1k budget: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP14.htm

Sanders sound preamp.
last pre u will ever buy.

@arcticdeth
$4500 for one of the recent Sanders preamps, right? OP is looking closer to 1K to spend.

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For $1000, Quicksilver Linestage tube preamplifier with no remote and really good vintage input tubes competes handily with several preamps at 2-3x the price. Or, pick up a remote version 2nd hand when they come up for sale, every once in a while. 

@ecooney
Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.