Help selecting a new preamp

Quicksilver AT7 Line Stage. Hand built in the USA $1300

if you enjoy a very loud clicking sound as you adjust the volume
then the Schiit may be just right for you. 
You mention simplicity and minimum signal path as goals.
Look in US Audio Mart or Audiogon for a rebuilt Audible Illusions
L3 if like me you must have a remote.  Be patient. They sell quickly.
No phono stage on that model. They can be had between $1,000 -$1,500 from Galen in Texas when he has one. Do not buy anything older than the previous generation. I have one and I love it!!

if you enjoy a very loud clicking sound as you adjust the volume
then the Schiit may be just right for you.

No one enjoys it, but it not as bad as you make out, and only while adjusting the level.
It would be something "not to be enjoyed" if your source had some DC offset leakage, then it would be as you say " a very loud clicking sound" but that’s a problem with the source not the Schiit.
And all Schiit Freya’s and Saga’s come with remote, the $49 Sys does not, wonder why?

Cheers George

@gryphongryph 

Yes, I absolutely would, both in terms of build and sound quality. These are two outstanding designers.

You may want to check out a used Dehavilland Ultraverve, or new. Hand-wired, simple, 6sn7 based. See Dehavilland Electric Amplifier website. I bought a used one here on Agon and love it in my system. Easy to tweak the sound since there is only one 6sn7. I quickly sold my previous tube preamp.