Preamp suggestions, yes again

If you built your own amps, you might consider building your pre too. Here's a link to the kit don Sachs uses to make his machine... Right around your $1k budget: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP14.htm

Sanders sound preamp.
last pre u will ever buy.

@arcticdeth
$4500 for one of the recent Sanders preamps, right? OP is looking closer to 1K to spend.

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For $1000, Quicksilver Linestage tube preamplifier with no remote and really good vintage input tubes competes handily with several preamps at 2-3x the price. Or, pick up a remote version 2nd hand when they come up for sale, every once in a while. 

@ecooney
Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  

Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  

I previously owned the FET Valve CFR. While it's a nice preamp in many respects and unmatched in terms of price/features, I prefer the Schiit Freya Plus for absolute sound quality. The Quicksilver headphone amp performs even better than the Schiit.

That said, of the initial two on your list, definitely go AVA. You'd probably have to wait no more than two weeks to receive the preamp and Frank is a saint in treatment of his customers compared to some other(s). 

Schiit isn't my favorite regarding customer service but they're certainly not terrible. For performance/dollar, the Freya+ is exceptional. Only caveat is if your system needs a balance control.