Preamp suggestions, yes again

I’d consider the Quicksilver Remote Line Stage preamp. I say this because I recently tried their headphone amp as a preamp and it has outperformed every preamp I’ve used thus far, including my Schiit Freya Plus and my previous AVA Fet Valve CFR. And this is with new-production OEM tubes vs the expensive NOS tubes I have/had in the other preamps.

I can afford fairly expensive preamps but I’m always looking out for exceptional values. If only this Quicksilver headphone amp had additional inputs and a remote it would be the proverbial giant slayer. If you’ve ever read of the ability of gear to recreate the "air surrounding the performers," well, this QS piece does that when serving as a preamp, and oddly, it’s more noticeable than when it’s driving headphones.

If their Linestage preamp is 90% as good then it’s a top-value item.

Also, with Quicksilver, you won't have to wait for months to receive your preamp, and listen to excuse after excuse for why your order is being delayed as you would if you go with one of the brands you're considering. 

The Quicksilver HP amp used as a pre continues to impress. So much so that I don’t think I can return to the Freya — sucks in a way because I’ve amassed a collection of 6SN7s. I’ll be placing a call to QS next week to inquire whether I can expect similar or even better performance from their Remote Line Stage preamp.

Can't comprehend why one would despise remotes. I find that seldom do two songs share the same ideal volume level. And if your gear has a remote function no one forces you to use it. A motorized control has no detrimental effect on sonics. Suppose some folks just prefer things the hard way. 

The Don Sachs would be an excellent choice but it appears the OP has a budget closer to $1K. 

Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  

I previously owned the FET Valve CFR. While it's a nice preamp in many respects and unmatched in terms of price/features, I prefer the Schiit Freya Plus for absolute sound quality. The Quicksilver headphone amp performs even better than the Schiit.

That said, of the initial two on your list, definitely go AVA. You'd probably have to wait no more than two weeks to receive the preamp and Frank is a saint in treatment of his customers compared to some other(s). 

Schiit isn't my favorite regarding customer service but they're certainly not terrible. For performance/dollar, the Freya+ is exceptional. Only caveat is if your system needs a balance control.