Looking for a new (used) phono preamp to replace EAR834

If you are willing to stretch your budget then there can be no doubt the Herron is the way to go. Even the oldest, earliest Herron is leagues better than anything mentioned here, and if you can reach the new VTPH 2A it is as good as anything that COULD be mentioned here. Its what I sold my PH3 SE for and have been enjoying the last three months or so. Its not warm, except when compared to a lot of what's supposed to be in its class. Its just.... right.

The Herron VTPH 2A is the only component I can think of that can honestly be considered a steal even at full retail.

I just sold my PH3 SE after nearly 20 years. One of the contenders was the EAR 834, both were compared in my home system so I'm familiar with the sound. A used PH3 SE will definitely fit the bill, be a big step up yet with the liquid sound you crave. I actually think it is more liquid than the 834, with better dynamics and presence. The 834 seems not so much warmer as darker by comparison. Although the ARC definitely has that tubey magic and is much better than any SS stage I've tried still it is a fair bit less colored than the 834. Imagine your 834 with a few muffling veils lifted. I think you will like it.

Another nice benefit, it is well below your budget leaving plenty of room for tweaks. The Synergistic Research PHT Green Dream on your cartridge will take you to a whole new level of "warmish liquid" while at the same time dramatically improving soundstage depth, dimensionality, and focus. (Black Widow is more dynamic and neutral. Use them separately or combined to get just what you are looking for.) You would still have funds left over for a set of BDR Cones. The Mk3 are a bit warmer than the Mk4. Then with the right power cord, something like the venerable Synergistic Research Master Coupler, used under $200, wow. All that for well under your $2k budget. I think you will be shocked at the cumulative upgrade.