Tube preamp with Adcom amp

No remote control for Vintage Tube Preamp?

I love my McIntosh Vintage Tube Preamp mx110z, however, I want remote control.

I use this Remote Line Controller, made by Chase

I have given a few to friends, a few have bought their own, I have 3 myself.

Friends visit, I play with it in, and with it out of syste. No one has ever heard any difference, thus you get all the features with no detriment.

Shop/Garage system: I use it for system power on, and it’s features via my Yamaha 1020’s adapter loop. In/out, zero difference. Primarily remote volume control while working, mute for phone call, talk to the wifey, ....

Main system: same thing, On/Off to my Furman power filter, then all components powered from Furman’s capacitors with 45 amp reserve. Remote volume, balance. It has 4 line in, I use the McIntosh for source selection, just the Chase in/out a tape loop/monitor.

Once you have remote balance in a system with great imaging, you realize how many tracks benefit from a slight balance tweak. not just centering vocalist, but all instruments distinction is improved.

It also has built-in automatic/progressive Fletcher Munson ’loudness’ (progressive low volume bass boost). I don’t listen low volume, but if you do, a nice feature missing from modern equipment.

note: MUST have remote control for the Chase Unit: no controls on the unit.

Thanks for all the recommendations. As for remote, that would be a plus but don't really need one.

I think adding a tube pre is a great idea, but it really depends on what sound characteristics you’re looking for as they run the gamut from neutral to warm and everything in between.  Any further thoughts/goals would be most helpful.

I have just bought a 1 year old UK designed icon Audio LA4 Mk 111 pre for just over US$1000, mainly out of curiosity given AbSounds very positive review. I changed the EH 6SN7 tubes with Shuguang Black Treasures and am amazed at the performance. It is the quietest tube pre I have ever heard and it outperformed my 5 times more expensive well reviewed pre in all ways  - black background, musicality, soundstage etc. I won't name the pre as I will be wanting to sell it but the icon is a bargain even buying new.

Find a good condition Counterpoint SA-5.1 preamp.  One of the best overall sounding preamps and they can be upgraded to reference level. Plus is has an OK built in phono stage if you care to venture into TT territory.