@winoguy17 

That ModWright seems like a winner

https://www.modwright.com/products/ls-100-tube-preamp/

"Remote Control Functions Include:

• Power.
• Two remote trigger outputs.
• Selectable balance control, may be bypassed for cleaner signal path.
• Volume control.
• Mute.
• Input select.
• Monitor input select.

Preamp Functions Include:

• Upgrade slot for Optional in-board Phono stage.
• Built in headphone amp fed via tube driver stage.
• Home Theater Bypass.
• All pushbutton control, no toggle switches.

LS 100 Tube PHONO OPTION:

• One pair RCA inputs.
• Tube Design: (1)12AX7, (1)12AU7
• MC: Total gain = 63dB (including preamp stage)
• MM: 12AX7 replaced with 12AU7 = 48dB gain.
• Loading: 50, 100, 500, 1K, 47K, 100pf via internal dip switches.
  [USER/DEALER INSTALLABLE OPTION]"

"Notes: Rectangular plate is installed over the Opt. input on the back panel of the unit. This is removed when installing optional Phono Stage or DAC upgrade. There is room for two RCA connectors for phono or two connectors for digital. Phono upgrade is user installable. DAC upgrade is a factory installed option only. The optional Phono Stage upgrade board fits onto a pair of 20-pin headers on the main tube board and signal input connectors are secured to back panel of preamp enclosure. Phono upgrade option is entirely user/dealer installable. Optional DAC upgrade MUST be done at ModWright Factory by ModWright Technicians. Design is phase inverting and this may be addressed by reversing polarity at both speaker cables, either at amp(s) or speakers.

It has HT Bypass, and a Tape Loop

Phono MM and MC, via INTERNAL resistors (better than nothing, but that sucks if you have a few cartridges)

Cartridge loading is achieved via internal dip-switches. Factory setting is 100 ohm, zero capacitance. Two 6-row dip switch banks are located on the board. Loading is as follows:  Dip Switch 1 up = 100 ohm; Dip Switch 2 up = 100 ohm.  Dip Switch 1 & 2 up = 50 ohm.  Dip Switch 3 up = 1K; Dip Switch 4 up = 1K.  Dip Switch 3 & 4 up = 500 ohm.  Dip Switch 5 up = 47K; Dip Switch 6 up = 100pf. Total gain of phono and LS stages combined equals 70dB, adjustable via preamp volume control.

Phono uses 12au7 and 12ax7 (This is unique and very interesting)

Note: Installing a second 12AU7 in place of the 12AX7 will reduce gain by 15dB, making it 9 more suitable for higher gain cartridges. If you find that your cartridge has too much gain and is overloading the phono stage, then it is recommended to power down the unit, remove power cord and replace the 12AX7 tube with a 12AU7.

KHOZMO got right back to me, here is another Preamp using Khozmo’s DUAL MONO with remote balance.

Not tubes, but switchable remote balance may become a thing.

"Hi Elliot

thanks for your interest.

Check out my other brand with dualmono and remote
https://hattor.com/product/dualmono/
https://hattor.com/product/autoformer-reference-preamplifier/

Best regards
Arek Kallas
Khozmo Acoustic
www.khozmo.com
www.hattor.com

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It seems inexpensive, from Poland, showing USD Sign, $     anyone know anything about them

•  PayPal or Credit Card

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The BIG – Dualmono Preamp

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 5customer ratings

 (5 customer reviews)

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Positive Feedback Review

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/khozmo-acoustic-passive-preamplifier/

I never thought about this:

"But then I thought, since each of the 64 steps are a unique set of resistors, any break-in happening would only be for the certain volumes I selected. The idea of having to step through each to let it break-in over time did not seem appealing, so I skipped the whole idea of break-in and just listened."

"Simply put, this is the best linestage/preamp I've ever had in my system. No it isn't perfect, and we'll discuss those reasons soon, but from what I wanted a linestage to do, the Khozmo does all of it at least as good, and generally better, than any other preamp or linestage I've tried in the past."

"I'm kind of looking for something to criticize, and honestly, it is more about your system setup than any issue with the Khozmo Passive. Either your system will work well with a passive or it won't. I'm lucky in that mine always has been very agreeable to passive linestages."

"To sum up, though this may be viewed by some as a good low cost, budget or entry level product based on its price, in reality it is a real, honest-to-goodness High End linestage that could be at home in a system many times the cost of my own humble setup. It gets my highest recommendation."

Definitely a lot of opinions on the post.  I think you go with a tube preamp in the first place to be able to tune the sound you want with different tubes (tube rolling).  I have a C8 and while the sound profile for me (different for everyone) was good, it was easily improved with a simple tube upgrade.  I had a phone conversation with Brent at Audiotubes.com https://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm about the sound profile I was looking for and he delivered with matched tubes.  Now the sound with both my SS (VTV Class D with Purifi setup) and Tube Amps (Quicksilver) is rich with great imaging, great bass control and balanced highs and mids.  The C8 supports the dual amp setup with two pairs of speakers as well as phono stage and an optional DAC module.  Tone control is nice when needed (some primas dont have that) and easily turned off via the menus when not needed.  Everyone’s connection needs are different so pay close attention to what fits your rig the best.

I really like my PL Evo 400 (the same as the 300 but with XLRs). It really added warmth to my system centered on a Bryston 4b3 SS amp.

Many thanks to all who have contributed ideas.  I've investigated (I think) all of the suggestions and I am now leaning towards the Cary SLP-98 with updated caps.

Its form factor and features match my needs.

There are very few Cary dealers, and none anywhere near me so it is a bit of a leap of faith, without upgrades the amps can be returned, but not with the better coupling caps.

Is it ethical to get one in base form and, even if I like it, return it and buy a unit with an upgrade?  It doesn't feel right.