Budget preamp recommendation...besides Schiit.

Don’t skimp here. As mentioned maybe most important component. Get something that you can be happy with for a long time. Benchmark is amazing and the SPL’s are as well. 

So many suggestions, poor guy lol.

van alstine transcendence 10 RB

maple tree audio

Look into...

-Bottlehead Moreplay (tube kit @ <$500)

-Musical Paradise MP-701 MkII (ready to go tube for <$800)

The MP can be purchased from a vendor in the US or Canada for less $ than those offered from China.

https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/bottlehead_moreplay_e.html

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=175902.0

DeKay

Orrr.. Look into an older ARC preamp?

SP8, SP9… Or if you can stretch a bit SP11.

Happy listening.