Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new

You might want to check out an Audio Alchemy unit at TMR.  It received many accolades ... Upgraded, external power supply.  Meets budget! Good luck ....

 https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/audio-alchemy-ddp-1-dac-with-ps-5-6-power-supply-upgrade-d-a-converter/

@wturkey My phono preamp output impedance is 300 ohms so I am concerned. My amplifier will be fine at 147K. One reason why I haven’t the trigger on the Kara. I appreciate the input.

@sschlund I already have a phono preamp. Sorry I should have been more precise. I am looking for a line level only preamplifier.

Check out Pro-ject Phono Box DS3 B. I have one as I just entered the balanced world of hifi. It is SS but they do have a tube model.

The Kara may be a very good choice. 
 

The three gain options are great. 

The input impedance is not great. Match wisely  

Having a preamp that uses 10% of the volume dial due to excessive gain can be quite annoying. The Kara is the opposite of that. 

Freya+ is not a neutral preamp. It is even warmer than the Class A Schitt Mjolnir v3 that I have now. I owned the Freya+ at one time. 

Why not freya + ?

Not all amps pair well with passive preamps, so if you’re considering that make sure your amp is compatible first. 

@yyzsantabarbara If $$$ was not an issue … I agree the LA4 is ideal. Used LA4 is almost 3x the price of a new Kara.

@carlsbad2 You have a recommendation?

No such thing.  consider a passive preamp, transformer based is best.

The Topping pre90 has gain issues that may or may not work with your amp. It was awful with all the amps that I had without adjustable gain.

The Kara maybe like my Schitt Mjolnir v3. That preamp sounds pretty good, but it is not really a neutral sound. I was under the impression that the Kara was similar sonically to the more expensive Mjolnir. I use the warm Mjolnir + Schitt Aegir v1 amp with bright headphones.

If you could save up another $1k you will be able to find a used Benchmark LA4 for $2k-ish. I used this preamp on every amp I have owned and loved the pairing. Currently I use it with the Sanders Magtech or the CODA #16. The LA4 is loved (and hated by some) for being the king of neutrality. I would not change this preamp for another preamp at any price (even if given for free).

Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart