Beating a dead horse - Pre with Pass-Thru

I own a Levinson 380S. It (and similar Levinson models) features both two sets of balanced inputs (it is a true internally-balanced design) plus the ability to assign any input as a passthrough (note that this is not a totally passive direct mode, as the preamp does universally apply very high-quality buffering to all the inputs and outputs, but it will bypass all gain and control stages, and sounds exceedingly transparent so configured).

I have the Sonic Frontiers Line 1. It has the SSP pass through but it is only single ended and not balanced. It works well but I get feedback from my receiver unless I lift the ground on my pre. The SSP works well for me and I wouldn't be without it. Be aware that Sonic Frontiers is only available used now unless a dealer somewhere has some old stock. Used prices are very good and you can get service from Parts Connexion. These are actually the same people who were involved in Sonic Frontiers before Paradigm bought them out. They will also do mods on the SF products as good or better than the original Sonic Frotiers Special Edition (SE) upgrades. You can of course select any of the other fine product listed above. The SF pre's have two pair of balanced inputs and two pair each of balanced and single end outputs. A tape loop is included with the SSP loop. Four pairs of single end inputs. Also has phase invert and mono, both selectable from the funky remote.

I have recently added the Naim NAC 112 with HiCap power supply to my HT system with wonderful results. This is my only Naim piece at this time. I am considering a CD player at some point. For now, I am enjoying the much more refined sound of the seperate pre-amp for all music listening. The Naim integrated very easily (you do need DIN to RCA cables which are available from Naim for a very reasonable amount).

Highly recommended.

Vectorman- the BAT VK3i has everything you are asking, as well as SE inputs to add additional versitility AND optional remote control.