Balanced Tube Preamps I Should Try

The Mcintosh C2200 is not fully balanced, but it is, as Aball stated, an outstanding preamp. I've had it for about a year now and just won't let it go. A recent issue of Hifi+ gave it rave reviews. They honestly did not expect much (Mcintosh, lawyers and dentists...), but were extremely impressed calling it the most fun they've had in a long time.

Yes, it is true, the C2200 isn't fully balanced. You need the C200 for that but it is more than $5000 and not tubed. I guess there aren't many balanced tubed preamps afterall. Arthur

You have limited choices. BAT, Sonic Frontiers, Supratek are the few that come to mind. Personally I wouldn't get a tube preamp that has both balanced inputs and outputs.
Truly balanced preamps are always push-pull configuration. Most people will prefer a SET preamp.

No remote, but the Atma-Sphere MP-3 offers superb performance. It has balanced inputs and output.

Supratek is an outstanding tubed pre (says the new and happy owner), but none of the circuits are balanced. Mick will build them with XLR connectors, but it basically would be the same as using an adaptor. BAT would be my recommendation. Remote is an option on these, so check that out. The VK5i would be a great choice. One available now for about $1.750, which leaves plenty of $ for good NOS tubes. It uses 8 6922s and 2 (I think) 5881. Tube life is very good, 10,000 hrs estimated.