Tube Preamp, uses 6sn7/6sl7. With or Without Phono; With or Without Remote Volume,

Freya +...in its own category as nobody makes anything like it, a "class A" preamp that with good tubes (I use NOS GEs) really shines for a bargain price.

I have the above mentioned ls100 from ModWright and can say it's a fantastic preamp. I had a don Sachs and prefer this. 

Get a Backert Labs and be done.

Budget:

$5,000 with phono

$3,500 without phono (he found a phono stage he likes, waiting)

I'm waiting a bit longer before I thank you all for responding!