Suggestion for phono preamp in sub 2k price to complement Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 3 MC

I’ve owned the Chinook and the PS Audio.  High marks for both; I recommended the Chinook to my father recently for his MM.  Chinook does give you what you want from tubes, and the PSA gives you what you want from SS, with a hint of tubiness.  But for MC I have to give the nod to the PS Audio based on the ease of switching gain and load settings on the fly with a remote.  That is more than just a convenience; it allows you to judge the best load from your listening position.  I loved the Chinook with an MM cart, but had trouble dialing it in with an MC.  (That said, I’ve moved back to a tube phonostage, but it cost me).  

I use Rega Aria in my Rega setup. No wish to change.

I have a Manley Chinook Special Edition, available only from Upscale Audio (easy to find via web search).  They have a very close relation with Manley and sell more Chinook than any dealer in the country.  You can contact them and learn a lot of information about the Chinook and about the Special Edition.  Ask for Kat, she is awesome with analogue products.  I can't say enough good things about the sonic qualities and the value the Chinook provides.  I recently upgraded to the Rega Planar 10 and it is a wonderful pair, that and the Chinook.  Presently using a Lyra Delos MC cartridge with this setup.  Wow! 
Good luck on your quest.  And do enjoy the music.

@jrw1971 Thanks for the comparison, I was originally looking at the Rega Aria to stay in the same family. I was then headed down the PS Audio path after reading goods reviews on it. The switching via remote while seated listening is compelling.

@jorgjean Thanks and the Aria was where I started my search, still might end up there due to lower cost on a used one.

@mammothguy54 I recently watch Kevin’s video in the MC SE. This gonna be a tough decision as I also have other recommendations to research. Thanks for your input.