Although it doesn't meet the remote control, balanced, or HT bypass requirements, I would recommend the Transcendent Sound 'Grounded Grid' preamp. Available as a kit or sold direct as an assembled product. This tube linestage will do justice to the frequency extremes. It would otherwise meet your needs and budget.
Need help with tube linestage-SF vs ARC vs Others
I am considering purchase of a tubed linestage to add a little body/bloom to the midrange of my all SS rig for popular, blues and rock (not metal). System is Muse 10/Muse 3 Sig/McCormack DNA500/Alon Circe. I don't want to totally give up bass definition/extension or HF extension, would strongly prefer balanced, and would like SS pass through for HT. Unfortunately the Aesthetix Calypso is currently above my budget (around $2000). Other continders are:
SF Line 3 - could always add SE upgrade later, but in stock form is it too dry/sterile, and not much different from my SS pre?
ARC LS16 MkII - How good is this unit?
ARC LS5 MkII or III - supposedly quite good, but I don't believe it has a remote or HT pass through, does it?
Line 2 SE - How good is this?
CJ 17LS or 14LS - not balanced, and possibly not very extended at the extremes.
Any others??? Thanks for the help.
SF Line 3 - could always add SE upgrade later, but in stock form is it too dry/sterile, and not much different from my SS pre?
ARC LS16 MkII - How good is this unit?
ARC LS5 MkII or III - supposedly quite good, but I don't believe it has a remote or HT pass through, does it?
Line 2 SE - How good is this?
CJ 17LS or 14LS - not balanced, and possibly not very extended at the extremes.
Any others??? Thanks for the help.