Need preamp recommendation

Atma-sphere MP3 or MP1 if your budget can hit that.

World class and never boring. I used to own VAC whilst i like them i still consider the Atma a step or two above. 

VAC is warm but kinda gets boring its not as dynamic as Atma and over time you get to realise the warmth is sacrificed for other much-needed attributes one needs to get a musical setup

I suggest a atma-sphere MP3. Fully loaded pre amp its more of a destination pre amp rather then a merry-go-round 

The best Wyetech Labs Preamp you can afford. 

If you can find a used Sutherland Audio N1 Preamp you may find audio nirvana!

My vote is for Audio Research.  Watch the market and you can easily resell the piece if you buy smart.  For your budget you can get a REF 3 that is still well respected as an excellent preamp.  

I have a B&K REF5 S2 and replaced it with an ARC LS3B which completely opened up my sound.  Recently I moved to the ARC LS26 which made another nice advancement in my system.  

Preamps are probably the easiest component to deal with in the used market as they are mostly not too bulky nor heavy.  Whether it is an ARC component or any of the others, follow the same strategy to buy smart....enjoy it in your system for a while and decide if it has what you seek.  If not resell and try again!

Have fun!!