Straight Wire with Gain: SOTA Preamps With Minimal Insertion Loss on a Digital Based System

[musicfirst1]

I have played at this game and have yet to find a preamp that I prefer between my Metrum Adagio DAC and my amplifiers.
I've always liked the gain but not at the expense of resolution and clarity.
I don't like digital volume controls either, so I've settled on a DAC that varies the reference voltage to the DACs to control volume.
My preamp experience is not exhaustive, so looking to create a short list here.
Budget is up to 50k.

 

[Atmasphere]

What kind of amps do you have?

 

[musicfirst1]

I have MSB M203s and (Eventually) Audionet MAXs.

 

[dan31]

I would recommend the SMc VRE-1C. Not easy to audition but close to straight wire with gain.

http://lotusgroupusa.com/SMc.htm