Reasonably priced preamplifier

@mbmi  I have the same preamp. The Audio gd continues to blow me away with its clarity, focus, separation, and presence. 

@emergingsoul  I, too had the Schiit Freya+ before I stepped up to the Audio Gd. The Freya was really good. Schiit delivers way above their price point. Plenty of inputs and the passive option sounded pretty full. . It did run a bit hot. But I loved it.  Can't go wrong. But the Audio GD is in a different stratosphere. 

Do add the Musical Fidelity Ms8 preamp to your short list, very neutral, transparent and musical. 

Aesthetix, Janus Signature - pre-owned $6K-ish should be in the conversation

Have you considered McIntosh.  They make both tube and SS.

I enjoy them

BAT VK-80 from Music Direct. Retails at $10K. They are on sale for $7K new. Sounds great, and a case and remote control that spent a lot of time with a CNC machine. 6H30 Super tubes.  Same tubes used by ARC and others, such as Rogue RP-9.