Considering Schiit equipment

Yes, the 

Forkbeard app includes balance control, along with other digital preamp features like parametric EQ and loudness, particularly when used with compatible Schiit Audio components such as Mimir, Gungnir 2, and Saga 2. It transforms supported DACs into full digital preamps with adjustable settings. 

Schiit Audio +2

Key details regarding Forkbeard balance control:

• Functionality: The app enables digital volume and balance adjustment, allowing users to adjust audio left or right.
• Component Support: The app adds balance and 3-band parametric EQ to Mimir, the Mesh Card, and Gungnir 2.
• Operation: It allows for precise control of these features through a visual interface on a phone or tablet.
• Limitations: According to a user post on Reddit, it is noted that balance and other controls may not work with the Jotunheim 3, even if other functions like phase, NOS mode, and mute work

Thanks for the reply.

The website for Schiit has an AI chat to ask questions. I asked that.

It said the Freya+ F preamp has balance control through the Forkbeard app.

It wasn't sure if the lower priced preamps from Schiit have it, though you can get them with Forkbeard also. I sent an email to Schiit asking about balance control. 

I may have to continue to use my Harmon Kardon Citation 25 preamp if that's the only way to retain balance control. 

At this point I don't know of any other options to get a set of mono blocks and a preamp for 5 grand or less. At least anything new with some decent quality.

I only want new, don't want anybody else's headaches. 

I still like the equipment I already have but it's too hard to get it worked on. We have one shop within 70 miles and they aren't that good with my Citation 22 amps. I had one there for over a year and it still never got repaired. Shipping out for repairs has been a costly mistake too. Item comes back "repaired" but doesn't work. Done with that. 

Currently I'm using my system with one amp in stereo mode but I sure do miss that mono block sound!

If anybody has any ideas on how to better spend 5 grand or less on new mono blocks and a preamp, I'm all ears. Do I want warm or cool sound? Beats me. All  I know is I like my setup the way it sounds now. Citation 22 amp, Citation 25 preamp and JBL L100t3 speakers. I use a Harmon Kardon 7600 CD player and a Rotel CD player. For finding stuff I haven't heard in years,  I have Sirius XM Radio. Once in a  while I use a Harmon Kardon TD4800 cassette deck. I listen to hard rock, soft rock, blues, classical, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, some old school country etc. 

Thank you two also for the replies. They came in as I was typing my last response.

I will not be using a DAC or headphone amp so that will not be an issue. It is good that you post such information though for the benefit of others. 

I owned the Freya Plus for 2 years,  and currently have it posted for sale on USAM.

If you want to save money ($650), please feel free to consider my listing. 

Putting that aside, here are some thoughts for you to be aware of (also discussed in my listing).

First, with the right tubes, the Freya Plus is a top tier preamplifier (not best of the best, but can compete with preamplifier on the lower end of that top tier), which is unbelievable for the price.

Two, I bought mine with the premium Tung Sol tubes. After first listen, I was prepared to sell it the same day.  It sounded dry, sterile, and no dynamics. I switched out the Tung Sols on the output stage, and replaced them with the Electroharmonix Platinum Cryo-treated tubes from Upscale Audio and it completely transformed the sound... huge changes...honestly...from hell to heaven and those tubes are inexpensive.   My theory is that the Tung Sols are really good at filtering which is why they work so well when left in the buffer stage, and sound so poorly when placed on the output stage.

A PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier replaced my Freya Plus, and the Freya gave it a good run for the money soundwise using the stock BHK preamplifier tubes and the magical pairing of tubes mentioned above. I bought some new tubes for the BHK and expect those to take SQ to the next level.

Hope this is helpful and best of luck. 

Thank you for the valuable information Gino. I appreciate the offer but I'm only looking to buy new. The tube info you provided is a big help.