Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new


Must have: Active, remote, two XLR  inputs and XLR output.

Units I’m considering.

Denafrips Hestia

Ladder Bach

Schiit Kara

Topping Pre90

Vincent Audio SA32

Looking for a unit that measures well & has no/little sound of its own. Right now I’m leaning towards the Kara.

mybuddy

@yyzsantabarbara  The Mjolnir is primarily a headphone amp. It does not have the 2 XLR inputs & remote that I require. My listening is via speakers, NO headphones.

@mybuddy Yes, it is sold as a headphone amp but for my needs the headphone amp is not good. I use it as a 2-channel preamp, and it is very good that way. 

My Benchmark HAP4 preamp is also sold as a headphone amp, and it is also no good for my headphone needs but great as a 2-channel.

My Holo Audio Serene preamp also has a headphone amp (XLR1) and it is also no good for my headphone needs. 

I am 3 for 3 with my preamps and headphones.

Looking for a unit that measures well & has no/little sound of its own. 
 

No such thing. Forget it. 
Instead I would drop the XLR requirement and look for the best sounding preamp for $1000. 

Yes. $1000 used Rogue RP1 actually insanely good preamp. Quiet, transparent and you can tailor the sound by trying different tubes. 
Has great phono stage built in.