Preamp upgrade opinion...

I have a Pass X250. I used to have a MW SWL 9.0 SE and I really liked that pre but being singled ended was a little too noisy on the Pass. You're pass wants to run balanced so I would caution not sticking with a balanced preamp. I moved up to a MW LS36.5 and it's in another league honestly. The LS36.5 works and sounds great the X250.

I listen to much of the same types of music you do and the LS36.5 has great PRAT; pace, rhythm and timing. You can probably pick up a used one in your budget.

I came close to picking up a Pass X10 which gets great press in its price range and you can find them used at Reno Hi Fi in your price range. I went with the MW primarily because I really liked my SWL. Don't miss the SWL at all honestly as the LS36.5 is so much better.

Meant Pass XP10... not X10

Thanks. But do you ever find the bass and depth lacking at all using a tube preamp? I also purchased my amp at Reno Hi. In your opinion is the X10 better than the MW?

If you can find a used TRL DUDE preamp, the sound is without compromises and the bass is just awesome--tube or solid state.  It is a tube preamp with a very stout power supply.  Read the online reviews. There are many.  No phono section, however.  The DUDE is a large unit (75 lbs.) and has RCAs only.

The MW preamps are also very nice.  They will not equal the DUDE in sound quality.

The Pass Labs amps seem to work quite well with tubes. I think you will appreciate the additional detail and smoothness they bring to the party. Some preamps will have trouble making bass into the Pass Labs and others won't.

We have a little preamp called the UV-1 that might suit- even comes with a phono section.

Whatever preamp you get, get one as nice as you can- the Pass Labs will love you for it as they are quite revealing.