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

Accuphase C2420 or newer C2450 with AD2820/2850 phono (optional) module. It has two independent phono inputs, with variety of MC/MM settings, excellent headphones’ amp, subsonic filter, low/high adjustments, plenty of bal/un-bal inputs. Works well driving class A and AB Accuphase amps, Luxman tube amp, and all other amps in my collection! 

A no frills preamp, without the added components like phono pre or a DAC….Seriously look at the Parasound JC2BP. Extremely low noise with a high dynamic range and exceeding full range specs. 
I am 95% analog and this preamp has been the best thing for my analog sources. 

Wyred4Sound STP SE. Everything you need and nothing you do not.

I've got a Rogue RP-7 I'm not using. It's a great no frills tube pre. 

There's a few things I read and tried out which may help your query of the "best no frills preamp"
 

1. Townshend Allegri or Allegri+ - totally passive preamps so there is no coloration and no power required (meaning no need to have a power conditioner for this one). The Allegri has a power plug for the display but the Allegri+ has no display. An argument can be made that the purest signal you can get is from a passive preamp with no active electronics coloring the sound in any way. That being said, when my Allegri+ suddenly failed I sent it back to Townshend for warranty and it never got sent back. Customer service is useless with them and I got my money taken away.

2. Valvet Soulshine (used) - I got one and it also excels at getting out of the way and adding no color to the music. However, I don't see any on the used market right now and brand new it's out of your price range.

3. Audio Mirror Linea Preamp - Never tried this one but I have his DAC and it is exceptional. I'm intending to get the higher model WAVE preamp. Reviews are generally favorable on audiogon (search for "audio mirror preamplifier" in the forums). This is within your price range. Vlad's customer service is excellent and he has a lifetime guarantee on all his products.

Hope this helps.