Best preamp 2k or under, new or used


So, here's what I got...

Nht classic 4, McCormack dna1, McCormack rld1, jkdac32.

The speakers, amp, and dac, were items, that once placed in my system, I was 'done!'. I knew I found what I wanted out of each, and love all three.

Preamps, however, have been a problem. Here's what I've owned...

Parasound p3
Ps audio 7.0
Ps audio pca2
Rowland consonance
Wyred4sound stp-se
Classe cap151 (used a pre in the interim when preamps change)
McCormack rld1

The McCormack rld and classe 151 preamp sections come closest to the sound I want, which is less forceful, more effortless to my ears, fairly transparent, but both suffer from a slightly hard treble, and round under damped bass that has weight, but lacks extension. The wyred, parasound, and Pca2 sounded thin in my system. The Rowland I had high hopes for, and was probably the most disappointing, with a sound that sounded restricted on top and bottom. The ps audio 7.0, actually wasn't bad. Lacks transparency, but makes music. Problem is, with volume set to 2, it was too loud for late night listening.

So, here's the question. New or used, tube or solid state, does anyone know a good preamp in the 2k or under range that sounds open yet full, with smooth treble and good extended bass?

The only feature I want is remote control (I am not lazy, I just don't like to leave the spot I'm listening to music from).

Any suggestions supplied with some minimal input would be greatly appreciated.
backgroundblur
I have a SimAudio Moon P-5 that I purchased for under $2,000 (a good deal!). It sounds great to me, but I haven't had a broad range of experience with pre-amps.

I'm curious what folks say about the Benchmark DAC-1 -- I know some people use it as a preamp. I'm considering whether it would be a good choice for a buddy of mine who doesn't have a lot of cash to sling around.

Is the DAC-1 authentically high-end? I've heard conflicting opinions.
The following preamp suggestions are all at used prices under $2,000:

CJ et-3

Manley Shrimp (as previously suggested)

Doge 8 (As previously suggested)

deHavilland Ultraverve

Audible Illusions Modulus 3

Mapletree - (both models)

Pass Aleph P

Good luck
I would add a used Herron VTSP-1/166 which is about $1500. It changed my listening life.
Backgroundblur: Your JKDAC32 dac gives out 2.1v at less than 100ohms output impedance.
Your McCormack Power Drive DNA-1 power amplifier has 1.2v input sensitivity to make it give out it's full output of 150w into 8ohm, this combined with 100kohm it's input impedance makes it a really great match for a 10kohm passive preamp, which are 4 to 5 times cheaper than your budget and may even sound better.

Cheers George