@kds I am very happy with my Coda ss amp & Herron Audio tube preamp combo.
There is currently only one listing for a used Herron Audio preamp. It is the VTPS - 360 model, and it is listed on that "other site" (USAM) for $3500, which is a little over your budget. The two prior models (VTSP - 3 & VTSP - 2) will usually sell within your budget
Used Herron's don't appear very often; and, they typically sell fast (for good reasons), so both patience and quick actions are usually required to snag one of them. The VTSP 360 has been listed for 44 days; so, that suggests the seller has probably over-priced it a bit. Perhaps he'll take $3K, assuming this model fits your needs and criteria.
I suggest you research some professional reviews of it, along with some of the Audiogon forum discussions re Herron Audio.