I've been following your query/thread with interest because a while back I was also looking for a tube pre-amp, with remote for $2000.
If I may, I'd recommend either an ARC LS15, or a Sonic Frontiers Linestage 1 or 2. Both come with remotes and with both XLR and RCA inputs/outputs you have synergy with a large number of power amps and upstream sources. They are also both a tube rollers delight, using 6922 signal tubes and variants. Soundwise, both are slightly on the warm side of neutral. Between the two, I thought the SF had a much beefier power supply, providing a more robust sound, while the LS15 had transparency in spades. Both imaged quite well.
Something else that may interest you down the road--the ability to upgrade the capacitors and power supplies without paying an arm and a leg.
FWIW--after auditioning both the ARC and a SF 2+SE, I went with the LS-15 because it was $250 less. It was a close choice, and I would have been happy with either.
I hope you are enjoying your search. No doubt, whatever you choice you will enjoy the music!
David