Although you have resolved your problem, I'll have to add that in my 2-channel mostly LP-based living room system, I'm using a previously sidelined Outlaw Audio 950 7.1 ch. pre/pro because of the 4 preamps I have available, the Outlaw in 2-channel all-analog bypass mode is the most transparent and fastest, brings out the best in the dynamics of the phono preamp feeding it, but never turns harsh or edgy. It's an awful lot of box and wasted circuitry to get a good 2-channel analog section, but it works really well, and of course it has remote which has spoiled me.
The others? Amber Model 17, Parasound ZPre (version 1), VSP Labs Straightwire II, and Hafler Series 915 Class A J-FET line stage (the preamp to match their later TransNova series amps). Only the Straightwire II equaled the Outlaw, but lost out because at 20 years it's getting a bit dodgy, occasionally dropping a channel when switching. And no remote.
The others? Amber Model 17, Parasound ZPre (version 1), VSP Labs Straightwire II, and Hafler Series 915 Class A J-FET line stage (the preamp to match their later TransNova series amps). Only the Straightwire II equaled the Outlaw, but lost out because at 20 years it's getting a bit dodgy, occasionally dropping a channel when switching. And no remote.