Balanced/Differential tube preamplifier recommendation?

@atmasphere no offense meant by the way. I just mean to convey that today, remote controls are very important to most audiophiles, especially at the level that your firm operates

@thought9 I get it- back in the 90s we studied the remote issue for years; nothing was out there are the time that was at the level of our master control in the MP-1. So that remote didn't show up until the early 2000s. The MP-3 was harder due to the Electroswitch control, which was already a custom part and we are pressed for space. However the big change we did several years ago with the volume taper took a lot of issues off of the table. I used the phrase 'mostly eliminated' the same way one would use the word 'virtually' in that there is likely a difference, but I can't hear it and the preamp actually measures better. I don't doubt that someone might hear it (or claim to, which is different...). The trick is eliminating issues with Miller Effect at the input of the line stage. By changing the taper and the overall value of the control we vastly reduced the Miller Effect problems. 

@atmasphere well it seems you've put a lot of thought into it, so I trust the conclusion you've come to. Someday, if I can afford it, Atma-Sphere will be at the top of my list for a balanced tube preamp.

@mbmi hI, thanks for the info. Could you elaborate on your thoughts on the unit? What other pres have you had before to compare it to?

thought9,

I own an Atma-Sphere MP-3 which I bought used without remote capability and sent it back to Ralph for the upgrade. The remote volume works great and I can't hear a difference from the original stepped control. I paid less than $3k for mine so if you can stretch your budget a bit it's a great preamp.