I currently use the M2.1s with my Ayre K-1XE preamp, which has a remote, (as well as a phono stage, should you need one.) It is a solid state preamp, and I like it a great deal. Very musical, neutral and detailed. It is also dead quiet, which is a quality I highly prize. (I use the Revel Studios, if that matters to you.)
My friend uses the ARC Ref. 3, which also has a remote, (although no phono stage.) It is also very musical, and detailed. It is not as neutral or as quiet, as it is a tube preamp. (However, being a tube preamp means it has its own charm, as it has a slight warmth to the mid-range that mine does not.) It does a a bit of tube rushing noise, but so does most tube equipment. (I do not like tube rushing, which is why I got of my tube preamps and went solid state.) FYI, he uses the Avalon Eidolons. Great speakers with the Lamms, btw.
I like my friend's system a lot, so I would highly recommend the ARC, should you prefer tubes over solid state. (The ARC Ref. 2 sounded very similar to the Ref. 3, (as per my friends opinion), if you can't quite afford the Ref. 3.)
Good Luck in your search.