Preamp Upgrade

I used to have that same preamp and with your budget you could certainly improve on it. Browsing the listings a few things that jumped out at me.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d9ic-first-sound-presence-deluxe-4-0-with-paramount-upgrade-tu...
If you can accommodate  three chassis this is a serious dual mono preamp and a really great deal for $3495.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-doshi-audio-preamplifier-system-2017-04-01-preamplifiers-9812...
I have not heard any of his gear but Nick Doshi is certainly getting tons of great reviews and show mentions and this preamp looks like a nice deal.
And of course you could always upgrade to a new Herron.......
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9af8j-herron-audio-vtsp-3a-tube
There are certainly some nice choices within your budget have fun choosing and I hope you find a preamp you love!

You should look into Don Sachs SP14 preamp.  You could get his pre with all the upgrades for a lot less than $3500. 

I replaced a dual mono TVC in my system for better Dynamics and drive. But never expected the new preamp to beat the TVC for transparency. I highly recommend the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3  for you. You will have to add the phono separately though.

+1 on Backert. 

I picked up a Rhumba 1.3 recently. Really love what the Rhumba is doing in my system.  The bass is well extended and there is a lush midrange coupled with smooth extended highs along with a wide and deep soundstage.  I have been through many pre-amps in the past decade ranging upto $8k (most recent was a Lamm ll2.1 deluxe) and I can confidently say that, in my system at-least the Rhumba 1.3 favorably competes with all of them.  Lastly the support I got from Andy at Backert was phenomenal.  Easily the best customer service that I have experienced in the recent past.  I highly recommend Backert to any one planning to get a tube preamplifier.

@sidvee
+1 on the Rhumba 1.3 preamp. Good to know that you were able to compare it to much more expensive preamp and it can compete. I changed the tubes to Gold Lions and the sound is even more natural. The bass became even more thunderous. And yes, Andy responds promptly and is very helpful.