Karapuz,
Here is a different idea: If you live anywhere near Atlanta, you can spend a fraction of your budget and hire Jim Smith to voice your system. He can come over to listen and on the rare chance that he does not think a voicing session will improve your sound, he will not charge you his fee. I now have heard three systems that he has voiced, and the results have each been outstanding.
If you don't live near Atlanta, get his book or DVD and work on this yourself. You will be surprised at the level of improvement a well-voiced system will reach.
I know that does not answer your question about amp or preamp upgrades. It would be helpful to those trying to offer you advice if you describe what you think your system is lacking.
Here is a different idea: If you live anywhere near Atlanta, you can spend a fraction of your budget and hire Jim Smith to voice your system. He can come over to listen and on the rare chance that he does not think a voicing session will improve your sound, he will not charge you his fee. I now have heard three systems that he has voiced, and the results have each been outstanding.
If you don't live near Atlanta, get his book or DVD and work on this yourself. You will be surprised at the level of improvement a well-voiced system will reach.
I know that does not answer your question about amp or preamp upgrades. It would be helpful to those trying to offer you advice if you describe what you think your system is lacking.