$3500 to spend on a tube preamp....ideas?


Suggestions? Amps are Herron M1 monoblocks, Speakers Von Schweikert VR4-JR's. I borrowed a McIntosh C2300, and while it was good, it wasn't THAT much better than my Modwright 9.0 Signature. Bass was a little deeper, soundstage a bit more open, instruments more focused, but again, probably not worth $3500 to upgrade to. Also had an LS26 from ARC in my system, again, similar performance level to the C2300 and slightly more dynamic than the Modwright. With $3500 to spend, is there anything that can get me to that next level in dynamics? I am really happy with the other hardware in my system.

ideas: Herron VTSP3a, Rogue Athena
VAC Standard LE, Modwright LS36.5, Conrad Johnson Premier LS 16II, Dehavilland Mercury 3:

other options?
chiho
Tube Research "Dude".....see threads on this unit. Or a used Audio Valve Eklipse (roll the tubes) or Aesthetix Calypso or used Wyetech Opal. IMO any of my suggestions would be sonically superior to the models listed above..again, just my opinion.
My recommendation is to audition the Audio Horizons. I tried several pres with higher and lower prices and happily bought the Audio Horizons pre totally tricked out. I have no regrets. Hope this helps. Steve