OP-If you can find one, a lightly used Dennis Had Inspire LP3a 6sn7 preamp usually comes in under $1k. No bells or whistles, but it sounds great for the money.
On the Freya, I got one primarily to try a passive. I think it's very good for the money and for the options...balanced, remote, etc. The tube section is ok, but, like ghosthouse, I didn't immediately notice a BIG sonic difference with the tube stage. It's not as responsive to tube changes as some other pres. It took awhile to find what I thought was a good tube match (warmer vintage tubes). The tube output is a nice, immediate option at the push of a button. But, imo, as strictly a tube pre, there are better for not much more $. I also find it to be a little picky. It actually sounds pretty good in one system with PSETs, but I temporarily moved it to another system with solid state monoblocks. It sounds awful, there. I don't think there is any gain/impedance problems to account for it. Poor tone "synergy," probably. I haven't taken the time to try switch tubes to try to get a better match, since, well, it's temporary.
Lots of good suggestions on this thread. Folks also LOVE the LTA zotl. Will be ordering one soon, primarily as a headphone amp, though.