I would highly recommend a TAD 150 signature preamp. There are 2 of them posted on A'gon currently (I have one, but I don't know the sellers). It is a full remote operation except for power on (for that you have to get off the sofa. I don't know if a universal remote will have the codes, but assuming it's a learning remote you can program it in. It also has HT passthrough so if you want to have 5.1 you can have your pre/pro feed the TAD.
tube pre suggestions
help! new and dumb and getting dumber by the second. i currently have a denon HT pre/processor (currently for sale) that is fed by a dvd player, a cd player (which is also a 5 disc denon that i'm throwing into the lake), a music server (works fine for my needs), and a pair of cary six pack amps. i am searching for a quality single disc cd player that can swim, and a tube pre amp that really makes music as compared to the denon HT unit. i hate to admit this but in order to remain married everything must be able to work from the couch with a universal remote. this includes the most essential flat screen bloob tube. any advice?