All In One Tube Preamp____? Remote; Line(s); Phono; DAC (used or new: $3,500 budget)

Both a phono and DAC is a tough call. I have a Luxman CL 38, with no DAC that with some diligent shopping might be findable at that price. Good luck with the hunt

Would he consider a tube integrated?

I'd think there are several that check all the boxes.

As a plus, he gets to consolidate amp and pre for his limited space!

Not a lot.

I thought if one or two combined units existed, this crowd might know.

Has Amp: he wanted Big Blue Meters all his life, bought a MC7270 like this

https://www.hifido.co.jp/22-36255-42931-00.html?LNG=E

McIntosh makes a few and while the C2600 is $7,000 new your friend may be able to find a used example of this or a different model in his price range

McIntosh C2600 Vacuum Tube Stereo Preamplifier
With DAC, Phono Stage And Headphone Amplifier

I was looking at McIntosh C8, new retro look with remote, tubes: comes with 1 phono (switch in rear: either mc or mm)

can add their DAC card DA2 in the back which can be upgraded later

C8 for sale $3,125.

DA2 card $_____?

3 schitt separates only add up to $2,100, but take a bit more space

$1,150: freya + tube line preamp with remote

$ 600. Lyr 3 tube phono

$ 350. Asguard SS DAC thru tube line freya +

Luxman CL38 does not have phono or DAC

Luxman CL38u has Phono, just add DAC, here's a beauty

Here’s a McIntosh C8 with the optional DAC card installed, fills the bill

remote, phono, dac

McIntosh C220 comes close, remote, phono, no dac, many more inputs

looks more like his 7270 amp

All things considered I would either:

Get a McIntosh preamp that matched the amp fairly closely with phono and DAC or

Get a McIntosh integrated with phono and DAC, then sell the amp.

hell freezes over before he parts with that 7270 with big meters.

I like the c220 which resembles the 7270 and a separate dac that will be changed/upgraded later anyway.

I would like the C8 with the DAC card to pair with a MC275, similar look.

McIntosh C50

It ain't tubes, but it sure is an all-in-one