McIntoish C8 or PrimaLuna EVO 300

Aric

https://aricaudio.com/select-my-preamp/

No Balance of any kind. No Stereo/Mono. No Tape Loop

"All of my line-stages use the same basic circuit, feature a Khozmo remote volume system, 4 sets of stereo inputs and 2 sets of stereo outputs. 5 step selectable output level is incorporated on all of them as well to gain match to virtually any amp.

For those looking for the best 6SN7 linestages- please see my Super 6SN7, ML II and ML XL. For those seeking to experiment with more sonic flavors, this preamp is The Jackpot. Available in balanced and RCA only versions." 

I see MUTE in the photo of the Volume Remote, and you can turn the display on/off

Phono is always separate from the Line Preamp

"gain control on the phono stage can be used as a volume (although it’s on the rear of the unit). It can be placed on the front panel or top plate upon request."

@elliottbnewcombjr Does anyone have balance on their pre-amp remote?  I need it for a few LPs - some skew left others right so I don't think it is my cartridge setup.

I don't need the phono - I have the Sutherland Dos Locos - unlikely to be beaten by an "option".

I wonder if the Chase unit would act as a passive pre?  Input/output impedance might be an issue.

I am now leaning towards the Aric.

Your system must be very revealing, congrats.

McIntosh has remote balance via it’s remote.

The Chase Unit is indispensable to me just because of it’s Remote Balance.

Here’s a new open box, under $100. delivered

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397503797979?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=65fa5958-17de-11f1-baca-303661623362
My system is very revealing. Proper Imaging is very important to me,

Centered single listener: a few quick tweaks on it’s Remote Balance (could be track to track on compilation albums, like Best of Sade the other night), can be CDs/LPs/Tapes, any source can be slightly off (engineers don't always get it right), or, your system might be very slightly off for any number of reasons, or your hearing l/r might be off, temporarily or permanently, some frequencies, or all.

I alter toe-in for two off-center listeners, and both get decent imaging. My friend’s homes, spikes, no easy movement, sit off center, goodbye decent imaging.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11516

None of my friends, experienced listeners, can detect it. Optional use via a tape loop is best for purists, but I always want it in-line.

It’s mostly done in a single Philips Processor, and virtually noise free.

I’d highly recommend looking at the Backert Rhumba.  Excellent air/3D soundstage capabilities with just a touch of tube warmth.  Has a balance control but unfortunately not on the remote, but they do offer a 14-day return period, which is pretty huge IMO.  Aric does not offer a return option BTW but also great preamps, but you may wanna check if preamps are fully balanced from input to output because some aren’t if that matters to you.  I believe you have the option to upgrade the Rhumba to the Extreme version in the future if you might want even more, which is nice.

https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-tube-preamplifier/

If you can stretch to $6395 you should strongly consider the Spatial Audio Raven that’s a true end-game preamp IMHO.  That one I believe does offer balance control on the remote, and they offer a generous 45-day return period.  Personally I’d take the Rhumba, Aric, or Raven over the Mac or PrimaLuna, but that’s me.  Just some other options FWIW, and best of luck. 

https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier

@soix 

the Raven is a nice find.

"state-of-the-art Khozmo volume control, with remote control (standard) and 0.5 dB left-to-right balancing ... on the remote, so you don’t need to get up to make precise corrections while you listen."

"The Raven preamp has a dual mono Khozmo attenuator system with naked foil resistors for the signal path. You can turn the unit on and off using the power button on the front panel. The other button allows input selection, and will cycle through the inputs with every touch. The volume knob changes level. The remote control allows you to change inputs, mute the preamp, turn the display on and off, and change volume. It has one more key feature that allows you to change the volume of each channel independently using the L+, L-, R+ and R- buttons. You can have one channel slightly louder than the other to compensate for speaker or room variations. The channel difference is maintained when you raise and lower the master volume with the VOL+ and VOLbuttons. To restore perfect channel balance simply set the channels to the same level."

The McIntosh, you use the remote, go into the menu, find balance, then adjust it remotely. I wonder if it has a memory of what you did last. It wouldn’t take long to get quick with it, but it’s nice if it’s a dedicated button/rocker so you can adjust volume and balance with ease.

.............................

I bet Aric could use the DUAL MONO version of the Khozmo in a Custom unit, and that would include the dual mono remote like the Raven.

I just wrote Khozmo

"I saw a unit with Khozmo DUAL MONO and it had a remote with master volume and individual volume for left and right.
https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier
Who else is making a preamp with DUAL MONO, balance on the remote?

Do you have a custom department, for you to make it?

Thanks, Elliott"