Teeshot: I would suggest you take a close look at the new Herron VTSP-3A RO2. I wrote a rather lengthy "review" when I got mine so I won't repeat all that here. What I will say is I have lost NONE of the enthusiasm I had when I wrote months ago. I seriously do not think I will ever own another preamp--it is that good. Don't worry about the tubes--this is a very linear pre that will make perfectly with your VTPH-2 and would be very comfortable in a system as nice as yours. You may need to stretch your budget a little to get one but I think you will find it well worth the effort. If you don't have a dealer local Keith will allow a trial purchase so you can see for yourself.
Solid State Preamps
I have a tube preamp and a recently acquired Herron tube phono pre. I am thinking that I want to go to a solid state preamp because my sound has gotten a bit too pretty. Other equipment includes a Basis table and arm, Dynavector XX mkii cartridge, Marantz MA9 amps, Magico V3 speakers, Transparent cabling. I could spend up to $5000--what are some choices? I am already thinking about Esoteric C-03 and Simaudio P-7. Suggestions appreciated. I would really like a balance control with a new unit too.