The Shindo Auregies-L is the best preamplifier I've experienced in this price range, though to be honest, most of my experience is up to ~$2500.
I did recently sell my Auregies to fund a Tubeguru.hu ECC808 preamplifier. The intro pricing is ~$2650 and allegedly the thing has been preferred to the Shindo Masseto. Its all hearsay until I try it for myself, but they carry a 30 day full refund (no restock fee) so its worth a risk and within your budget.
I did recently sell my Auregies to fund a Tubeguru.hu ECC808 preamplifier. The intro pricing is ~$2650 and allegedly the thing has been preferred to the Shindo Masseto. Its all hearsay until I try it for myself, but they carry a 30 day full refund (no restock fee) so its worth a risk and within your budget.