Decent console or a really nice pre?

[davetron5000]

Gearing up to do a recording of my band, in the broad "rock" style. I'm just tracking, probably use a professional for mixing. I'm on a pretty low budget, so I want to make the most broad improvements I can. I've got a Digi002R, a Digimax LT and a dbx376.

I've got access to a trident S40 and a better AD converter, as well as mics that I'm reasonably happy with. I'm thinking that an improvement in the preamp department is going to help the most, so my decision is between:

- semi-decent console, like an Allen & Heath, Soundcraft or possibly the Trident s100
- a budget preamp (RNP, e.g.) and a higher-end pre (e.g. GR MP-1NV)

I'd like to keep the entire purchase below 2 or 3K. I plan to use 10-12 tracks for drums, which is why I'm considering a console. Will console pres of the above-named brands be significantly better than those in the Digimax LT?