[jtwrace]

I'm looking for a preamp with the following features:

1. active
2. 2 inputs, 2 outputs
3. no tubes
4. premium quality volume control
5. Less than $1,200 used

That's it. Basically, one level beyond a passive preamp. Super simple. No remote. No battery. No frills. Does this exist? 
 

https://www.neurochrome.com/differential-preamp-8x2-r1-0/

[ohenry]

If you want something that doesn't impart various colors and provides dynamics, try one of these:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hornshoppe-the-truth-preamp-any-opinions

I've heard plenty of preamps, and this one is outstanding.

[timind]

Given you wants, I'd look at an older Nakamichi CA5. I had one of these years ago. It was a wonderful piece.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Give the AVA Vision a try.  Nothing to lose with a 30 day money back guaranty.

There are some nice preamps on Audiogon right now but they will have more than your basic inputs which will be difficult to find.

There is an ARC LS9, Cary Audio SL100, Primare Pre 30, PS Audio GCP-200 and a couple of Krells for sale on Audiogon.  All very good SS preamps

[dB Cooper]

+4 on the AVA. If the RB version meets your switching requirements, there's not much reason to keep looking IMO. Only area where it doesn't meet your 'specs' is it's under $1K... new.
http://avahifi.com/products/pre-amplifiers/vision-rb-preamplifier
Only downside (for me) is, AVA doesn't offer kits anymore. (You seemed interested in perhaps going DIY.

[HsvHeelFan]

I'm still using a Parasound PH 850 that I bought in 2001.  It was around $400 bucks back then.  It's a perfectly adequate SS pre-amp.  However, it may be lower end than you're looking for.

Specs are still available on Parasound site.  Here's a link to the specs for it:

http://www.parasound.com/vintage/php850.php

HsvHeelFan

[flavo]

https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/82725-stereo-coffee-ldr/

I'm in the market for something similar and was also pointed to Tortuga. Well LDRs in general and that led me to tortuga
The stereo coffee LDR pre seems to get some praise. Not near the amount that Tortuga gets though.
Just thought I would pass this along. In the post Chris states that he will make you a custom board for 2 in 2 out.
I'd also like to hear if anyone has anything to say about these over the Tortuga.

[nickd]

PM sent Early B.

[Delta77]

  Preamp by , First Watt. From Burning Amp 2017
I do believe that this one may have been a prototype..??

“”” I'm looking for a preamp with the following features:

1. active
2. 2 inputs, 2 outputs
3. no tubes
4. premium quality volume control
5. Less than $1,200 used

That's it. Basically, one level beyond a passive preamp. Super simple. No remote. No battery. No frills. Does this exist?  “”

[Tubeburner]

I've tried several passive preamps in the past, and all of them lacked "energy," so I'm not interested in traveling down that road again.

Assuming the Tortuga is like all the passive pre amps you have tried is not true. There is no comparison IMO.

The Bel Canto Pre 1 is very good. The Tortuga is better.

[OzarkTom]

I bought a new one on Ebay for $1200, so I was very lucky. Hard to find used, sounds great in SS or tube modes. Also has a great built-in headphone amp, IFI IPRo ICAN.

You can easily turn off any special settings or remote.

https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/ifi-pro-ican-mixed-tube-and-solid-state-headphone-amplifier

https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/pro-ican/