best phono stage under 10k

American gear for Americans ? Why always Herron ? 
Claiming that Herron is the best under $10k without recall its contenders is nonsense, it would be fair to mention some other phono stages compared to Herron by its user. 

I would give the PSAudio Stellar Phono Preamp a serious consideration. Michael Fremer just gave it an amazing review in Stereophile. I was a Beta tester for PS Audio when this product came out and bought and kept it because it is the best I have ever heard. You cant go wrong because, if you buy it directly from PS Audio, you can actually have an "in-home" trial and return it if you dont like it. This company is coming out with seriously good stuff at reasonable prices. 

I suggest before replacing anything, you try these steps first.

https://www.psaudio.com/ps_how/how-to-find-and-fix-hum/

Keith Herron is a great guy for sure and excellent to do business with, however I sold my VTPH-2 shortly after purchasing it from Keith, it was a little quirky and not as resolving as expected. My Pass XP15 was superior, and even more so Modwright's PH-150.

Try Audio Horizons pre-amp wonderful value and great sound, also Manley Steelhead has been highly recomeded, it can also be used as a pre-amp.  Its highly flexible and has stood the test of time.

http://www.audio-horizons.com/pages/phono.html