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

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.

Lab 12 Pre 1

Do you lean towards tube or solid state?  What speakers are you using? What genre of music?  What’s the amp?

Knowing none of these things I’ll throw out a vintage McIntosh Mx110z. That’s a great vintage sound with low mid - tube bloom, can be very forgiving for vinyl yet magical at the same time - cult favorite.  

Of course this says more about me than you - we need a little more info… Good Luck!

full on preamp, line stage or phono stage?