Truly Balanced Cheaper Preamplifiers?

OP, stay the course. You're on the right track. Those here questioning simply are ignorant of the sonic benefits by having a fully dif balanced system
Recently Paul McGowan put out a YTV which can help

If $$$ is tight you could get a Parasound 6 and use the XLR circuit only, then sell it when funds allow you to upgrade

TMR has a Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 at <$1300. It's a fantastic pre Stereophile reviewed it in March 2000ish. I have one


hth

Greg, the PS Audio-Gain Cell DAC is balanced as well as others in the line, 1600 new and can trade in older equipment to lower cost.

Gustard p26 ... probably the highest return for dollar spent

Ive owned a lot of PS Audio kit over the decades. I still have a GCC 250 from when it first came out ~ 15 years ago that powers my video system


I bought the M700s and the Gain Cell dac/pre. It lacked soul and had no outboard power supply to flesh it out.


hth

For new,  the Freya + is a no brainer for its price.  In used,  you should find many...
One of the Coda Contiunuum Preamps or CL or CLX... (these are all nice sounding)
Audio Research  LS9, LS12
Muse Model 3 Signature
Classe 5 or 6 or CP47 or CP50
I suspect that the Gustard recommended would be good for the buck $700,  but to be fair,  I've never heard it.  
I hope this helps,  Tim