Pre + phono under $2500?


this will be used in 2nd system.

have Nottingham Hyperspace + 12" Anna arm as source, have several cartridges to pair with this rig and all are low output MC. currently have a PS Audio GCPH with PCX mod, it's quite good though I prefer tube. haven't decided on amp yet though most likely will be a tube, speakers will be Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento unless wife makes me sell them to free up cash and I will go for Merlin VSM-MX or Usher BE-718.

I had Atma Sphere MP-3 before, I was very impressed with the sound but it lack remote.

I had Audible Illusions 3A before, maybe it was the tubes I didn't get too excited.

prefer one box solution, but open to pre + phono and will love to have remote & XLR out so I can run long IC.

what else is out there that matchs Atma Sphere MP-3 in sound?
semi
never considered a McIntosh before, I owned McIntosh MC501 before and they were just not my cup of tea. how do their pre sound in general? I like extended, transparent, and organic all at the same time.
IF you can do without the remote... There are/were two Audio Research SP-15 preamps for sale here now. (I already own one. and it is NOT one of the ones for sale.) the asking prices listed are a bit high. I would say you should be able to get one for $1,750. tops. (it was $6K new in 1988 through 1994... about 20 years ago.)
The Sp-15 has a built in 3 tube phono section. the rest of the pre is solid state. One thing about the SP-15 is it sounds best if the volume control is in the top 30% of the range. IT has a separate gain reduction control.. Just the sound you asked for.. but! no remote. It has only single ended inputs, but does have balanced outputs as well as single ended.
I am sure ARC SP-15 is a very fine sounding piece, but part of the reason I sold off Atma Sphere MP3 was lack of remote. Also, I will prefer an all tube pre intsead of solid state or hybrid unit.

I think I will have to go with a separate phono stage to find my tube pre with remote and XLR out.
When you say transparent, it could be other things, usually speakers and cables have a lot to do with transparency. I heard the Harbeths hooked up to McIntosh gear and it is close to the most transparent sound I have ever heard
A couple of the Bat pre's have remotes and phono sections and can be had used for under 2500.