Is it time to get active?

I've been using a passive "preamp" for something like a dozen years, and I've all of a sudden begun to wonder if I might want to return to an active pre. (Perhaps it's just my age. A guy can stay passive for only so long before he gets completely out of shape.) Anyway, I'm using Rega TT and CDP, McCormack mono amps and B&W 805 Sigs. Passive line stage is the McCormack (modified by SMC Audio) TLC-1. I'm generally happy -- at least I have been -- but I'm getting an itch. Any thoughts about what activity -- in the form of a preamp with gain (with tubes? with spunk? with panache?) -- might bring to this mix? If I make the move, I'd like to spend not much more than $2K. (Less, of course, would be better.) I generally listen to rock and acoustic "folk." Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.