Top rated passive preamps

Tvad.....couldnt agree more! The SMc VRE pre has only 6dB of gain and
Ive had my fair share of passives over the last 6 years and the VRE is the
cleanest sounding pre (and most musical) that I've heard.
This includes the $95,000 Kondo M1000 !!!!!
(Dealer disclaimer)

I am a big fan of the transformer/autoformer variety of preamps. I currently own a Sonic Euphoria PLC which has bested a lot of active preamps up to ~6K in my system. The PLC also beat out a Bent Audio TAP to my ears.

Shakey

I think Dave Slagle at Intact Audio/Experience Music would build you a very nice balanced passive preamp. I've been using a passive based around his autoformers for several years, and highly recommend them.

Look at the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

Bent Audio Tap if you can find one. If you are a DIY type you can get all the parts from John Chapman at Bent Audio and build one yourself or have someone else build it.