Digital Or Traditional Preamp?

Yeah, what Zd said. If I were young enough not to own any LP's the Empirical Audio Overdrive SE USB DAC/Pre is simply stunning. The Empirical demonstration at the last RMAF had many old grumpy analog types scratching their butts. Consider the Overdrive is a world class DAC with an incredible USB receiver and propriety attenuation. The analog section runs in class A, with no resistors.

Leaving the analog vs digital comparison aside, eliminating an analog preamplifier in a digital system has recently reached the point of superiority for digital playback IMO. The overall design, execution, and method of attenuation, is key and as in any good preamp it's going to cost. In the case of the Overdrive I wouldn't be surprised if the only thing that ever beats it will be another Nugent design. Check it out then start lurking over at The Computer Audiophile.

The Empirical Audio Overdrive looks amazing but exceeds my budget, which is about $2,500.

I can't comment on any of your choices except the Dual Core which I am using as a pre amp, dac, and room correction device. I have had a few different passive preamps, ss preamps, and an Audio Note Kits M3 preamp, and truly love what the Dual Core does. Simplifi Audio is running a $100.00 off sale with a 20 day 90% money back if you don't like it.
I use a 12v battery power supply with mine and know it will stack up to most stuff out there at higher costs.
Give it a try...for a $110.00 + return shipping (USPS Priority prepaid medium box) its a no brainer. Although I'm pretty sure your gonna keep it.

Good luck