Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates

@almarg FYI- the input impedance of the CM amp section is 100K.  

Why do you think going to separates is going to up the SQ? I had a pair of Classe separates then moved to the rogue Cronus magnum 2 with the kt120 tubes. I liked the move except the Cronus caused some flabby/not controlled bass. So I move to a Hegel h100 which was nice but not enough power, so in months, I bought a new Hegel h300 and this met my goals. I got this new at $3000 which I think the Hegel would beat any $3000 with of separates. Btw: you also have to include the cost of a IC connecting the preamp to an amp which could cost 100’s of $$$

I have heard cheap separates that sound profoundly better than  integrated cost no object componet's.

Integrated amps can be better than separates. Yes, when they are.
Separates can be better than integrated amps. Yes, when they are. 

So I am going to focus on a preamp with balanced ins/outs up to $5,500. Yes I’ve increased the budget and I’ll start a new thread to gain recommendations. Thanks all for your feedback.