McIntoish C8 or PrimaLuna EVO 300

I have not heard either of your choices, a few thoughts:

12ax, 12au

I truly like the sound and full features of my Vintage McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp with many 12ax and 12au (I use a Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller with it).

6sn7s

My friend heard my Cayin Integrated's 6sn7 and 6sl7’s here, found deHaviland and had Kara make him a new Preamp with 6sn7’s, AND tube rectification. She ordered the specific transformers she needed, so it’s not quick ship.

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm

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REMOTE BALANCE

McIntosh has remote balance

which I love and use frequently, especially compilations that include tracks from different recording sessions, personell, I just listened to this, and made small but beneficial tweaks to many individual tracks

https://vinyl.sonymusic.com/products/sade-the-best-of-sade

And, a CD yesterday, I only tweaked a few of these tracks

https://www.amazon.com/Friend-Mine-Bill-Morrissey-Brown/dp/B0000003U6

Does Prima Luna have remote balance?

Either have a dedicated balance button on the remote?, or do you need to get in Menu’s?

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I might prefer the McIntosh, however

PrimaLuna talks about tube rectification

Tube rectified

"In the world of preamps, experts agree that tube rectification is the gold standard. It’s quieter than solid state rectification, dropping the noise floor. And it offers the most natural, textured, and vibrant presentation because the circuit is now pure tube. But because it is expensive to implement, you’ll only find it in the top of the line models typically costing  $10,000 or more. Finding a preamp using one rectifier tube is sweet. PrimaLuna goes even further using two 5AR4 rectifier tubes in a dual-mono design to present your music with a three-dimensionality that will give you goosebumps."

The deHaviland has tube rectification, and they sent my friend alternate tubes, we were surprised how much the sound changes

Mapletree has Preamps and a Phono/Line Preamp with a rear switch allowing either 12sn7 tubes or 6sn7’s.

Manual Balance; Remote Volume, HT Bypass; separate power supply

https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/

manual

https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/manuals/Ultra-4CRM-manual-with-Notice.pdf

Aric also has a Super 6sn7 Preamp

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/aric-audio-super-6sn7-linestage-preamplifier-by-mike-wright/

Cary also

https://caryaudio.com/products/slp-98/

6sn7 discussion on Audiogon

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/who-offers-a-highly-musical-preamp-using-a-6sn7-tube-and-a-remote

@elliottbnewcombjr the Aric and the Cary look like strong contenders.  I'll investigate further.

The Aric looks beautiful.

Thanks

@allenf1963  Yes it was a type!

Cary Shows and Tells you NOTHING about their Remote

"Remote Control: See Remote Control insert included in original box"

I cannot tell you how many companies do not show a photo of their remote.

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Their balance is split, two manual controls, not remote controlled. I don't know if the remote has MUTE?

They do combine MM Phono with Line in one unit, and have both Tape In and a Tape Loop (tape out/monitor), I like that a lot. 

There is no Stereo/Mono mode switch

I would use the tape in for my Reel to Reel

and the Tape Out/Monitor In for optional use of my Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller with Remote Volume and Balance and Mute on the same control.

That lets you use the Chase Optionally, that's when you realize you cannot detect any degradation. 

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