pre-amp upgrade bug...MF A3cr to a ???

I'm currently using a MF A3cr pre-amp (Pass X150, Von Schweikert VR2s downstream). No major complaints with the sound just the typical audiophile wondering if I could do better. My only real complaints of the pre-amp are a slightly veiled and closed in sound, a touch of mid bass emphasis, coarse volume control and closely spaced RCAs on the back.

My ideal preamp would have or include most of the following;
1. Addresses my complaints as listed above
2. Balanced outs would be nice to feed my X150
3. Internal phono stage is preferred if it can perform equally or better than a Lehmann Cube SE and work with a low output MC cartridge while still offering some flexibility for future carts. If not, I’m willing to keep the Cube and stay with a linestage only.
4. Tubes are ok as long as the sound is neutral. I don’t want to get into the whole biasing tube rolling thing.
5. Will consider used if it’s from a reliable company willing to back or service the unit with little to no hassle.
6. Be able to stay in my system for a few years and survive surrounding component upgrades.

Budget new or used around the $2k mark give or take a few hundred. Of course the giant killing $1k pre-amp is ideal.

Units I’ve at least thought about or considered; ARC SP16, BAT VK3i, McCormack RLD-1. Beyond that I’m really stumped thus the call for help. Any thoughts or considerations to help a brother out?