Any thoughts on Saga, Schiit’s passive/active preamp? It seems like a good cheap option for something that’s pretty transparent. I'm already creeping toward the high end of my budget, for the speakers, amp, and preamp, so if getting this will give me most of what $1000 would give me, I see no point in spending more.
http://www.schiit.com/products/saga
http://www.schiit.com/products/saga