Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new

The Kara may be a very good choice. 
 

The three gain options are great. 

The input impedance is not great. Match wisely  

Having a preamp that uses 10% of the volume dial due to excessive gain can be quite annoying. The Kara is the opposite of that. 

Check out Pro-ject Phono Box DS3 B. I have one as I just entered the balanced world of hifi. It is SS but they do have a tube model.

@wturkey My phono preamp output impedance is 300 ohms so I am concerned. My amplifier will be fine at 147K. One reason why I haven’t the trigger on the Kara. I appreciate the input.

@sschlund I already have a phono preamp. Sorry I should have been more precise. I am looking for a line level only preamplifier.

You might want to check out an Audio Alchemy unit at TMR.  It received many accolades ... Upgraded, external power supply.  Meets budget! Good luck ....

 https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/audio-alchemy-ddp-1-dac-with-ps-5-6-power-supply-upgrade-d-a-converter/