Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new

Oh...one more thought. Don't let the cosmetics scare you:)

OP...for about that money you can audition and purchase a Hornshoppe Truth line stage. I don't believe Ed has balanced connectors available for it. Regardless of that it would be extremely difficult to beat it balanced at any price point. 

I've fiddled around in this hobby since the late 60's and have never heard any component get out of the way like this one. It just does its job with zero sonic signature that I can perceive. I had mine built with just a single input eliminating the selector and necessary connectors. Perhaps allowing a minorly cleaner presentation.

The standard Truth is a 0 gain unit however, I know Ed offers a 6db gain version which I haven't heard.

Perhaps it's worth investigating.

      LP