I can’t contribute re: SS for a main system, I prefer tubes. I did have a Tandberg Receiver that I liked a lot, I mishandled it’s input jacks, and replaced it with my one and only Yamaha piece: Receiver CR-1040, sounds darn good and feature full.
Hmmmm, sounds like you have been changing tubes too often, leaving it on too long, warming it up too long, need a tube tester to have confidence in your tubes, perhaps lost confidence in the preamp’s innards ........ perhaps have a pro overhaul it.
A set of tubes should last thousands of hours, and an inexpensive tube tester keeps you from guessing if you suspect something.
https://www.conradjohnsonowners.com/viewtopic.php?t=911
IF you want a unit without remote and/or balance, you can use a Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1: either 4 sources directly to it, or sources to preamp, use tape or processor loop for the RLC-1.
You MUST have the remote, no controls are on the unit. Here’s a new one
Dead quiet,There is simply no evidence of it’s existence except you get wonderful remote power, volume, balance, ....
Oh yeah, it has automatic and progressive fletcher munson bass boost for very low level listening,
I've got 3 of them in use and a spare.
Office used just for remote power, Luxman has remote volume, I take a short hike to change inputs, leave it's balance where I set it.
Garage/Shop, via Yamaha Receiver's Processor Loop for remote volume and importantly, mute.
Main, between tube preamp and tube integrated amp for remote system power, remote volume, remote balance, mute: lets me use my beloved vintage McIntosh mx110z tube preamp with no remote features.