Which Tube Pre for 5K?

A CAT SL-1 is not balanced and has no remote, but, in my opinion, absolutely blows away the BAT 51SE sonically. The CAT Utimate has much better dynamics, extension and just a much better midrange. Anyway, that's my opinion. Other pres which don't fit your requirements, but which sound good are:

First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II - stunning dynamics, low-level detail and transparence, terrific female vocals. No remote and not balanced.

Ayre K-1Xe - balanced and has remote, but not a tube pre.
Haven't heard the latest model, so I cannot really comment sonically. Earlier model was slightly to the cooler side of neutral, but had great timbre and separation of instruments. Earlier model was a little soft on dynamics, but I heard this has long since been "corrected".

I would check out some of the solid state, no remote and single-ended entrants before simply ruling them out. You might find, after listening, that these are indeed worth consideration. If the answer is still no, then sorry for interrupting.

Robal:

Based on my wish list, the Calypso was a recommendation from a dealer that has my complete trust and respect.

Because their previous recommendations have been great matches for my needs of the time, I jumped in with both feet. Once again, they were spot-on. Therefore, I did not audition any other pre's in comparrison. This was in replacement of a Rowland Synergy IIi, moving into tubes.

My music listening time is very limited these days. Therefore, I am still using the stock tubes that were supplied by Aesthetix. When I get around to it, I will tinker with rolling some tubes.

Good luck.

Unless you have to have new, at $5K, I would recommend the VAC Ren Mk2. It has a remote and accepts XLR at input and output although I am told it is not a balanced circuit internally.

I just heard the deHavilland Mercury2 and can highly recommend it.It made the hairs on my arms stand up(since I don't have any on my head).

I had similar requirements in terms of price and wanting a tube design, true balanced differential circuit and a remote. I bought the Calypso and havn't regretted it for a moment. I think the Calypso is an incredibly great unit. You may want to upgrade the stock tubes, however, which takes one pair 12ax7 and one pair 6dj8/6922. Good luck.

John.