Recommend The Best No Frills Preamp up to $5K.

Used Audible Illusions Modulus 3B preamp. Fantastic phono stage, no frills but 6 inputs plus a full tape loop.  Uses 4 tubes. 

Used Zesto Ultra.   Amazing sounding preamps 

I've been very happy with my Ayre K-5xeMP. They run about $2.2k used.

I can recommend VTL TL 5.5 Series II Signature with optional phono module available in your price range. This phono module is taken from their 6.5 unit and will help bring your vinyl collection. Line stage is also excellent. You have the option of tube rolling with NOS tubes if the stock tubes (JJ Audio) are not satisfactory. There are 12 tubes altogether, 6 in the line stage (2 x 12AU7, 4 x 12AT7) and 6 in the phono stage (2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AT7, and 2 x 12 AX7)  . They are biased class A and the unit operates hotter than my Mark Levinson amp (LOL). I had VTL TL 2.5 in my setup for many years and had a good idea the kind of sound I can get from 5.5.