Good preamp suggestion for around $1000

A used McCormack RLD-1.
Then at a later date have Steve McCormack upgrade it to Platinum! Best preamp "I've" ever heard.

McCormack RLD-1 ...ME TOO!!!

You have to love that remote control and the volume increaments of 0.5dB ...never to low, never to high , just the correct volume level you desire.

Jahaira

I've seen conrad johnson PFR's advertised for $600 on ebay. Nothing even comes close to this in terms of sound for the money IMO.

Your Bat VK pre's are good. For cheep, with the right tubes, Audio Research's are workable as well (usually a slight bit bass bump I've found). Passives are transparant enough, yet lack dynamics a bit(not a problem from a "pass through" standpoint for an HT pre/pro). In that case, used Pass Aleph L, McCormack TLC, similar.
IF you can find a used Cary 50(retailed for $1200) w/o remote, that is stellar sounding as well!
I think you might not go wrong with the BAT as suggested above however.

Depends whether you need multiple inputs or not. If you just need volume control....I recommend the Placette volume control which uses all Vishay resistors. Very transparent. Sounds great.

Also consider taking a look at the Morrison ELAD. Also very transparent.