Should I move on from my Hagerman Trumpet MC Phono Pre?

Relative to what you have and might want to spend, sell the Trumpet, and as suggested look at a used Modwright 9X or Luxman EQ500.

I found one of these for $2500. Comparable, subjectively "better" in some areas but MIC, which to many here, claim to avoid😂

The latest price bump puts it at $4500. Make it in the USA, it would be priced much more$$

https://www.ebay.com/itm/157060441509

https://www.hifinews.com/content/primaluna-evo-100-tube-phono-preamplifier

Do the NOS tube thing, decent cable, now you have something that will approach $$ SOTA- as the Technics/Koetsu does.

I have no doubt the Trumpet performs well, but all the tweaking won't match any of the above "next step" models which are can be had for a sane price.

@fastricky 

Have you ever tried Sylvania Gold Brand Gold Pin (3 mica) 5751's? Best sounding 12AX7 variants I've ever used. RCA clear top 5751's were right up there as well. Remember 5751's are a tone down in gain from 100 to 70, which can help or hurt, depending on the rest of the system. I've been very happy with the Sylvania 5751's in my Cary phono stage for over 20 years. I also use Sylvania Gold Pin 6189's in the 12AU7 MC gain stage and Sylvania 5814A in the buffer spot. I have alternated from the 6189's to 12AU7 Amperex long plate bugle boys but usually favor the Sylvanias in my system. Obviously, results vary from one system to another but these have been my go to's for a long time. Mullards often get suggested but I have not found them to my liking and that might just be the variants that I had or who knows what? I would not object to trying teles or siemens but just haven't had them to try and I have no reason to feel the need to anyway, just that I might. My 2c.

@fastricky

"aside from @medium_grade?" What am I, chopped liver? 😭 

@billpete Yes those are the exact tubes I'm using! Sound terrific. 

i suggest 

1) RCA clear Tops

2) Telefunken 

IMHO, both can present something opposite each other. but you are now at the point of mixing tubes to create the synergy you want. Also, the SBooster will do wonders on the Trumpet.