Recommendations please!


So I am flirting with getting a new (at least to me) preamp.  I currently run an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A with the MC phono boards.  It's a great preamp that I have been using for maybe ten years, and heartily recommend it to others.  I have thoroughly enjoyed it -- except for the lack of remote.  I am getting to find it tedious to get up to mute it or adjust volume every time I need to do so.  And at ten years of use, it's about the oldest piece in my system, so a change just for the heck of it wouldn't be unwelcome.

I need plenty of inputs (Phono, DAC, CDP, tuner, a couple of aux (for more phono!), and would like both phono section and balance control/dual mono (the Mod 3A is dual mono).  Obviously, a remote.  Amp is a recently upgraded MacCormack DNA-1.  I want something that will sound at least as good as what I have now.  Used is possible, but I'm not interested in vintage this time around.  I like, but don't necessarily require, tubes.  No need for balanced inputs.

 

Budget?  Let's keep it under $3K USD -- preferably WELL under.

 

Tall order, right?  That's why I've kept the AI Mod3A so long . . . 

Thoughts?

 

rnm4

It's a very well-reviewed preamp, but a remote seems like a good thing to have. Perhaps the Cary SLP-98?

 

What improvements would you like to have over the AI (besides a remote), and what performance characteristics are most important to you?

Also, you’re greatly limiting your choices by requiring an truly good onboard phono stage, so unless you’re extremely space constrained I’d recommend considering a separate phono pre to significantly expand your options.