Help me with preamp choice.

You could get a used Blue Circle BC3 Despina for around $1500. These cost about $3500 new.

Sugarbrie's recommendation is a fine one.

In addition, there are 2 Joule LA100 MkIIIs listed in the classifieds for $1800, one with and one without the phono pre. This is a superb unit, and upgradeable to Jed's latest gem, the LA150. They have a simple but useful remote for volume and balance control. Perhaps you can bargain one of the owners down to or near your target.

Many people run the other way when you mention a passive. I have heard other passives with the typical shortcomings often associated, so I can understand why.
I do not perceive a loss of dynamics with the Placette Passive and it sounds more transparent and detailed than the active preamp it replaced that was 4X the price.
The cd player I had when I changed to the passive also had 2v on the RCA outputs. I can verify this combination is awesome and would expect it to rock your world with the Krell and VMPS.
The Placette will reveal any weak link in your system and you will hear the difference in cables and cords very easily. Use short interconnects, 2m or less. Read this:
http://www.placetteaudio.com/QandA.htm

I would strongly suggest the Adcom 750. There is nothing below $3k US that will touch it. It offers both passive and active operation, is a Nelson Pass design, and offers both true balanced and s/e operation. There are several for sale for $750 US here on A'gon. There are also simple mods that will make the active option untouchable. Pocket the difference and get some new cables!

OOOPS!!! I forgot to mention Adcom GFP750. Ivanj, right on!
Don't spend too much on cables for passive preamps. AudioQuest DiamondBlack tended to work the best with passives. You can also get VanDenHul Type2. I've never heard F.T. audio but in general terms you simply ought to try any passive v.s. active that is 2x or 3x the price of passive and see the result. After that I'll guarrantee that you will forget about using active preamp.