Recommendations please!


So I am flirting with getting a new (at least to me) preamp.  I currently run an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A with the MC phono boards.  It's a great preamp that I have been using for maybe ten years, and heartily recommend it to others.  I have thoroughly enjoyed it -- except for the lack of remote.  I am getting to find it tedious to get up to mute it or adjust volume every time I need to do so.  And at ten years of use, it's about the oldest piece in my system, so a change just for the heck of it wouldn't be unwelcome.

I need plenty of inputs (Phono, DAC, CDP, tuner, a couple of aux (for more phono!), and would like both phono section and balance control/dual mono (the Mod 3A is dual mono).  Obviously, a remote.  Amp is a recently upgraded MacCormack DNA-1.  I want something that will sound at least as good as what I have now.  Used is possible, but I'm not interested in vintage this time around.  I like, but don't necessarily require, tubes.  No need for balanced inputs.

 

Budget?  Let's keep it under $3K USD -- preferably WELL under.

 

Tall order, right?  That's why I've kept the AI Mod3A so long . . . 

Thoughts?

 

rnm4

I second audioman58 when recommending Don Sachs. I run my preamp with PS Audio front end, Krell 575 XD monoblocks and Wilson Benesch Endeavor speakers. During a recent upgrade to my Sachs I used Audio Research and Carver as stand ins and found them not bring the same joy as my Sachs. 

The Cary is a great preamp. I have the F-1 version which is direct coupled, has audio one output caps,hexfreds Kimber kable wiring on the outputs.I can't say that it is better than the AA 3A.If you really like it,I would talk to bigkidz about his mods.and you can try a passive volume control with remote.I never really understood the two volume controls on the AA gear.Some others as well.Don't bother with the video at the beginning of the link. Its painfull watching any of Steve's reviews.he just blabbers on without telling anything usefull about the SLP-98. His hands never stop moving.It's like watching a Joe Cocker concert from 70s.Very anoying Good luck with your quest.