The Music Room (TMRAudio.com) currently has 4 tube preamps for sale that are within your price range:
1) Audible Illusions = $1392
2/3) Conrad Johnson = $1299 & $1899
4) Modwright = $1551
The Music Room has a "buy it - try it" policy on used gear. If I was in your shoes, the Modwright would be my first choice (FWIW).