Well, I lather in a bowl, and I've been using cream all this time. I'm actually heading to the store after work to get some soap that was recommended to me on here (first time using soap).
You will get alot more responses if you get a little more specific. How much will you spend? How do you like your current brush? Things you like about it. Things you don't. Do you want something with backbone? Floppy?
I'd recommend you spend $70 and get an SOC 2-Band from VintageScent.com but that's because it's my favorite. Good Luck!
You could go a plethora of ways. There's always Larry at WhippdedDog for an inexpensive silvertip or you could get the Edwin Jagger Best Badger if you're looking for something similar to what you have.