Well with an amp with a 10K input impedence, I would rule out a tube preamp. If it were me, I'd change amps and go for the tube preamp, probably the VK-31SE. That's just me though, as I'm not much of a SS fan.
The VK-50SE that Jfrech recommends is a bit warmer, but darker than the VK-31SE, which is more dynamic and powerful, as well as extended. I've owned the 31/50/51SE's, though I currently own a ARC Ref 3. While I was not a big fan of ARC's earlier work, their latest series is great. If you are even considering a Ayre K-1xe, which is a great SS preamp, I'd consider a ARC LS-26 at this price point.
For SS, a Klyne is a great sounding unit, but I don't know if you can find one with balanced I/O's. I'd scratch the Krell KRC-HR, that was pretty dissapointing. An oldy but goody is the Threshold T2 preamp. Sounds great, balanced I/O's and should be able to find one well under your target price. If you can swing the big price tag, and want SS, the Ayre K-1xe is a very good preamp too. I'd buy the T2 though, and spend the other $2.5K elsewhere in the system, or on more music.
Happy hunting,
John