phono/preamp analog front end


I have a great, older  analog system...Oracle/Graham 1.5t Ceramic/Ortofon A95/Classe DR-6(modified/refurbished)/Threshold 4000 (modified)/Von Schweikert VR4.5 Silver with all nice power cords/interconnects.....considering upgrading preamp...used vs  new, looking to spend about $5K....could stick with SS, get used Pass Labs XP-15/X2.5 for <$5k....never ventured into tubes.....no convenient stores for me to go to....any thoughts?

128x128jw944ts
@atmasphere , with your statement above, I feel much better about my Allnic H1500se phono stage which I always felt was the best phono stage I have ever had in my system and it has no provisions for adjusting the load, I always wondered why. I quess my question to you is, should I feel good about that fact for the reason you stated? Thank you for your time and enjoy the music
I quess my question to you is, should I feel good about that fact for the reason you stated?
If its designed competently for LOMC cartridges, then there is no need for 'cartridge loading', so yes.
sorry, fellas, but this is not my problem or concern
If you found that you don't need to worry about cartridge loading in your system (doesn't sound bright with stock loading, and reducing the loading value does not help), then yes- I agree. Nor does the Classe DR6 have any such provision. But if you are looking at newer preamps the comments I made bear directly on this.


The Herron VTPH2A is in your price range. It sounds great, and I always hoped it was competently designed but never knew for sure until now- no loading switches! 
Whest makes a great SS phono amp. Check out their website for available models & professional / user reviews. 
@atmasphere 
Can you explain how the resistor loading makes the cartridge cantilever stiffer?  This absolutely does not make sense to me.