Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit

@ Jimbones

My personal experience - I have owned and loved playing an Ayre K-5xeMP preamp for many years.  Eventually, I wanted to try a good tube preamp and bought a ARC Ref 6SE.  

A used Ayre K-5xeMP now costs 1/10th of the new ARC, but is surprisingly good for the money. It is different than the ARC, but it has the clarity, tone and voicing of a high-end preamp, but different sounding than the ARC (SS has a little faster attach and decay).

At this level, you may want to demo a few to see which provides the best sound (to your ears, that day) with YOUR other gear.  If I were buying a used SS pre, I would also look at Pass and Classe, yet knowing what I know, I expect that the Ayre outperforms, dollar-for-dollar. 

@ jimbones

Sorry to hear of Classe's demise.  I understand they were purchased, a few years ago...  In that case, only consider them if you have access to a great repair center.  SS systems are long-haulers, but eventually they need repair.

In that vein, I had Ayre upgrade the capacitors in my amp.  They were easy to work with and did a great job.

At your price point, you will have lots of great gear to choose from, particularly used gear.  Many have Ayre and Pass trade-ins to choose from...  Some AG folks are easy to work with, as well.

Good luck!