I enjoy both my old Conrad Johnson PV11 and new Schiit Freya. Go with tubes, whatever the brand - I am also very pleased w/new PrimaLuna power amp and would try them for preamp. I would try Schiit Saga as a trial into tube preamps if you dont need balanced, Freya if you do. Then you have money left over for a decent phono preamp (I still use the CJ PV11 as my phono preamp but am considering options if I go with a low output MC cartridge).
Used audiophile preamp
I’m looking for a used audiophile preamp either solid state or tube. Looking for recommendations. Prefer less than $4000. Currently own Jeff Rowland Consumate preamp, phonostage and power supply. Older technology but still excellent. What does newer technology have to offer over what I have? Soundstage? Musicality? My system includes Linn turntable, Odyssey Kismet monoblocks, Spatial M3 Turbo spkrs, Schitt DAC, Cambridge CD Turntable, PS Nuwave, etc. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. All input welcome. Thanks.