Jeff:
I will throw in one more contender, the PSE HL-1. In terms of your requirements, I believe that it covers all of the bases:
It is a tube hybrid (uses 6922's)
It comes with a remote control
It has Balanced Outputs
It has more than your required number of inputs, one of which is Balanced (no phono)
It has a black faceplate with silver accessories
If it makes a difference, it has a theater pass-thru
I got VERY lucky and found a very sweet deal on a unit with cosmetic damage and a missing remote. I was turned on to this unit by AG member Richfield_hunter and by remarks about PSE by Albert_porter. I will acknowledge that this is my first tube pre, so I am yet a bit new to the game, but I LOVE this unit. In going thru a purchase search, I came to many of the same conclusions that you have detailed, and my list of candidates come down to the same short list. I am also using ML Aerius' and have found that this pre has mated very nicely with them. I am a happy camper.
The only negative that I can add about the PSE HL-1 is that on the used market it is about as scarce as hens teeth and is usually priced a bit above your budget. If there are any other thoughts I can answer about this unit, drop me an email.
I will throw in one more contender, the PSE HL-1. In terms of your requirements, I believe that it covers all of the bases:
It is a tube hybrid (uses 6922's)
It comes with a remote control
It has Balanced Outputs
It has more than your required number of inputs, one of which is Balanced (no phono)
It has a black faceplate with silver accessories
If it makes a difference, it has a theater pass-thru
I got VERY lucky and found a very sweet deal on a unit with cosmetic damage and a missing remote. I was turned on to this unit by AG member Richfield_hunter and by remarks about PSE by Albert_porter. I will acknowledge that this is my first tube pre, so I am yet a bit new to the game, but I LOVE this unit. In going thru a purchase search, I came to many of the same conclusions that you have detailed, and my list of candidates come down to the same short list. I am also using ML Aerius' and have found that this pre has mated very nicely with them. I am a happy camper.
The only negative that I can add about the PSE HL-1 is that on the used market it is about as scarce as hens teeth and is usually priced a bit above your budget. If there are any other thoughts I can answer about this unit, drop me an email.