I asking for suggestions in choosing a pre-amp [that won't "break the bank".

Here's a bit of a sound review of those new Shiit products.

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/rmaf2016/rmaf2016_schiit.htm

Cheers George

@foghorn1 ,

hi, it is very important to let us know what characteristics of sound or taste you prefer, and what genre of music that you listen to ?
Every DAC/Preamp perform differently with their unique strengths... some music gear may sound more richer\vivid in tone ,others may have better smooth extension but lacking in bass etc... certain brands (maybe due to their house sound) maybe more suited for solo \vocal while others maybe better at chamber music so on so forth....
i guess by the end of this thread, almost all the brands in the HiFi scene will get mentioned if you did not express your preference clearly 
Regards, 
-phil

if it is not in the system it won't change the sound

control functionality refers to the ability to change inputs, "buffer" things, alter sound via tone control, invert phase and etc.

a straight wire with gain is not always practical