Need pre for tube based amps

The Klyne SK-5A solid-state preamp I use sells below your range, but even at $1500 it's still hard to beat. It's relatively rare and therefore neglected. Stan Klyne still repairs them although some parts may be unavailable. The phono section is really superb.

If you don't need a remote consider an EAR834L - its just as you describe. Tonally it is very similar to the ARC SP10 I use in my main system. It only has three tubes - I have used one in a second system for about 4 years, tubes are long lived (I just changed them for the first time last month - I leave them on 24/7). The preamp is very quiet. You see them advertised used for 500 to 750 depending on model etc. Harry Pearson of TAS reviewed this a number of years ago & thought highly of it, for what ever that is worth.