... keep in mind that not all 'high end audio' preamps that are balanced actually support the balanced line standard ...
That's true, although such balanced components still offer advantages over single ended designs.
Reasonably priced preamplifier
At some point in the future, I would like to own a preamplifier from either CH Precision or Soulution but looking at their prices, I do not think that it is going to happen soon. So, until such time, I wanted to ask from experienced users here if there are preamplifiers within 7-8k (used) range that are different from the herd and can provide similar kind of performance that CH or Soulution provides?