Preamp with XLR input under 1k?

Does the preamp have to be balanced or just have an XLR input?

In your price range, an active preamp, used, new, SE or balanced, is going to be a difficult find. (I mean one that sounds good.). I'll take a BAT VK3i also if anyone wants to sell me one for around 1k.

If you are willing to give a passive a try, you may want to see if you can find a used Adcom GFP-750. It shouldn't be too much trouble finding one. It has more than 1 input, balanced, SE and a remote. Even though its a passive, it has plenty of features that don't normally come with most units.

Someone just listed a BAT 5i. They are asking $1500 for it but it looks like the seller may negotiate on price. You would probably have to spend a little more than your budget allows, but I say its worth it. The preamp is the most important component in the system to get right.