Good preamp suggestion for around $1000

I've seen conrad johnson PFR's advertised for $600 on ebay. Nothing even comes close to this in terms of sound for the money IMO.

Your Bat VK pre's are good. For cheep, with the right tubes, Audio Research's are workable as well (usually a slight bit bass bump I've found). Passives are transparant enough, yet lack dynamics a bit(not a problem from a "pass through" standpoint for an HT pre/pro). In that case, used Pass Aleph L, McCormack TLC, similar.
IF you can find a used Cary 50(retailed for $1200) w/o remote, that is stellar sounding as well!
I think you might not go wrong with the BAT as suggested above however.

Depends whether you need multiple inputs or not. If you just need volume control....I recommend the Placette volume control which uses all Vishay resistors. Very transparent. Sounds great.

Also consider taking a look at the Morrison ELAD. Also very transparent.

Alot of excellent choices. I am leaning toward solid state simply because I am a newbie in the pre amp arena and the maintenance of tubes (and the interchangeability as well as customizeability) seems a bit daunting.

I will only be using it for CD and HT bypass. So no need for phono etc. I do not use balanced connectors either. Nice and simple rca's.

With this information in mind, what are my choices?

Thanks again for the aid of the 'Gon crew.

Oh yeah, it must have a remote for volume control.