I appreciate replies, but I'm not looking for $2k or $3k or $4k. I'm taking notes of everything mentioned, but in my OP, I discuss looking at Schiit stuff and other inexpensive options.
Also: Some clarifications:
I have two excellent tubed preamps. I prefer them and will use them most of the time. This is for some variety and to give my tubes a break occasionally.
I know preamps are important.
Thanks for the other rec's!
@tjag To boost signal and volume knob. I have tried an extremely high quality autoformer and it didn't have enough gain. Things were too thin.
@wolfgarcia — that's helpful — I have the same Pass amp.
@audioman58 Thanks for the AudioGD mention. A good friend in Italy has an amazing system and after many trials, settled on AudioGD for his DAC. Very high quality stuff, but not as much PR as some other companies. Good value there, most likely.
@ghdprentice It seems my "80%" comment is misleading. I would put it this way, instead: "What SS preamp sounds pretty decent as a backup for less that $1k?"
Compare this purchase to shoes you wear around the house. Comfortable, acceptable, but not your best or nicest shoes.