Tubed Preamp recommendations?

+1 for Don Sachs' preamps.

You might find a used Model 1 that would fit  within your budget?

You can sync it to the rest of your system through judicious use of tube rolling... 

You can't beat the hand made preamps like Aric audio or space tech labs for sound quality in your price range, you would have to spend a lot more on mainstream preamps to beat them.

I had a Freya not the plus.  I thought it was noisy even with XLR cables.  To me the sound was a bit grainy.  But for the price it gets you into tubes and it gave me no trouble.  I liked the remote, it worked will and when I lost mine it was cheap to replace. As stated it is close to entry level. I have a Decware CSP3, not the anniversary edition, it has some cap upgrades.  It is single ended only but wow in another league in terms of smooth and silky, great harmonics.  It was however also noisy.  I sold the Freya and replaced it with an Allnic L-3000 which is above your price point but also in another nother league and dead quiet.  I can't bring myself to sell the Decware it was so good.  The Decware responded much better to tube rolling than the Freya.  

   I have a Rogue RP-1 with NOS Telefunken G73–R’s and a Morrow MP4 power cord and and Morrow MA-5 IC’s . I also use isolation pucks and a brass weight on the case . While it’s a good match for my Had Inspire , I wouldn’t buy it again. The headphone output is lousy and the phono is mediocre at best with my modded Thorens . The gain is lower than I’d like , and the noise is a little high. Although it does play well with my Schiit Yiggy . And at about 1 year the LED front panel started having dim spots . When you consider the cost of the items to upgrade it , you’d be better off looking somewhere else . My friend has an older CJ that he spent a fair amount having restored and absolutely loves it . I’d consider upping your budget and being totally pleased , Regards , Mike . 

Find an older Rogue 99 with phono stage. I bought mine used several years back and have had no issues. Running  Sylvania 6SN7WGT tubes for the pre-amp, with the phono board having Amperex/Holland 7316s and Psvane 12AX7s. Have read the phono board is best with MM cartridges and high output MC cartridges with low output cartridges being only so-so. You can also upgrade the pre amp through Rogue.