Out of curiosity what tube pre are you currently using? I'd recommend a Bryston BP26. The reason is I'm using a BP6 and find it very uncolored and open sounding, but most importantly it allows the strengths of everything that comes before or after to come through it intact without stripping or adding anything. Personally I think the Bryston preamps are a bit overshadowed by their amps and perhaps a bit overlooked, and a BP26 may work very well in your particular situation. Also has a balance control. Best of luck.
Solid State Preamps
I have a tube preamp and a recently acquired Herron tube phono pre. I am thinking that I want to go to a solid state preamp because my sound has gotten a bit too pretty. Other equipment includes a Basis table and arm, Dynavector XX mkii cartridge, Marantz MA9 amps, Magico V3 speakers, Transparent cabling. I could spend up to $5000--what are some choices? I am already thinking about Esoteric C-03 and Simaudio P-7. Suggestions appreciated. I would really like a balance control with a new unit too.