Balanced Line Stage Tube Preamps

@mulveling Thanks for the tip! I’m off to check out the used market.

@atmasphere Will set check for AES compliance & hope to find within my b@twoleftears Never heard of it, glad to know there are several candidates. @soix  now ready to move up from SCHIIT Freya+, my first tube pre since analog-only days. Pretty sweet with the right tubes, but having heard the good stuff, just a question of what I can justify,

@bdp24 Another one I know nothing about. Research time, thanks.

@jayctoy & others who mentioned the Backert line, I'm growing fascinated. Apparently they welcome questions by phone, so will be calling to clear up details left murky by online product info. Surprised they have so many dealers & I'm eager to listen Thanks for the tip!

@atmasphere Appreciate the helpful clarifications. To date I have had success with XLR cables and avoiding ground loops (using other tube equipment). In any event, information gleaned here helps me quickly narrow my search range.

All reviews I have read of the MP-3 says you DON"T offer silver or remotes! A recent development? The other limitation is lack of RCA inputs, which would require modification or replacement of analog source components. Guess I would also be concerned about the number and variety of tubes used, as reliability and ease of replacement are important factors for part-time dilettantes of my stripe.

@curiousjim "ARC if you can afford it": this much I've known since c. 1978, and could be I'll wind up with the LS28 if the right deal is out there (REF series would require a total system upgrade). Rogue RP-9 uses the same tubes, price is $2500 less new. Wish I could hear them alongside, which at Overture I guess I could. Trouble is, those guys never reply to inquiries.
@atmasphere Figured as much. Your critique of ARC LS28SE/Rogue RP-9 welcome if offered. I admire your Mk3 but need silver and a remote.

@twoleftears Good to know! Will prepare my list before calling. 

@atmasphere Hope you enlightened the reviewers who are telling readers you don't have features that you clearly do have (not that I noticed on website). If tape monitor inputs function just the same as any other RCAs, then that wouldn't be a problem, thanks.

@steakster Silver/remote was just clarified without a phone call, see above. Otherwise, I will gladly call any mfr or dealer whose product interests me enough to inquire further. Thanks to suggestions here plus online reading, that list has now been culled to 4 or 5.