I saw your preamp was sold at TMR. That’s been pretty much my go-to place for equipment. My Pass Labs X-30 preamp was about 1/3 retail. I think the three boxes are too large for most people. My Pass Labs XP 25 phono preamp about 1/2 price. I got good trade-ins on my excellent Audio Research Gear. My wife was totally behind those purchases because she didn’t want me crawling around behind my equipment racks changing tubes anymore. Not sure how I’ll talk her into the MA3i upgrade. It’s too soon now, anyway.
My analogue system is at a pretty high level now for someone with my mid-tier budget. My VPI Prime Signature 21 is the most expensive belt-driven turntable they make. I think moving up to their direct drive stuff would more change the nature of the sound rather than strictly improving it. Everything in the chain is very transparent except for the Hovland Radia which gives a touch of romanticism that I like. The Meitner MA3 is also a bit dark and romantic. I think the upgrade will make it more transparent, give it some slam on the low end, etc, I kind of like the sound now and can easily live with it until upgrade time, whenever that is.