"I have about $10k invested in my table/arm"
That suggests you might use a cart around $5K or so?
$2500 retail may not show such a cart in it's best light?
That amount + a few more bucks in a USED $5k +retail unit could do so.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbbf1d-primaluna-evo-100-tube-phono-preamplifier-phono
I use the PL. Competitive with the any tube/SS in the $5K+ range