Potentially stupid question about pre-amp recommendation for powered speakers

[Willem]

With regards to the question about a digital switch, I use this one: https://www.tindie.com/products/Beni_Skate/automatic-spdif-opticalrca-audio-switch/ It switches automatically, provided no source is always on. So it is fine for my CCA, my BD player and my television, but my Pro-ject Optical Ebox MM preamp and ADC does not work properly (hum).
As for DAC/pre-amp, I am a happy user of an RME ADI-2 DAC with volume control (and much else). It does not have any analogue inputs, let alone for a turntable, so I use the Pro-ject optical Ebox. Diehard vinyl addicts wil be horrified, but I am sure its resolution is significantly better than any pickup cartridge. I ditched my Quad 33 preamp, and the sound has only improved.

 

[Fledermaus]

Inexpensive pre with phono in / balanced out is quite "prosumer" niche indeed. Maybe a used Mytek Brooklyn might do the trick (analog input incl. RIAA option, XLR out) with the adding of an (analog) input selector ; or if you already have a DAC and consider adding a phono stage, why not go passive. Nothing to complain here about this nice unit from polish mfgr https://khozmo.com/, and it's perfectly silent : https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/prea...eamplifier-with-shunt-attenuator-p-10709.html

 

[Rja4000]

Inexpensive pre with phono in / balanced out is quite "prosumer" niche

You don't need the preamp to be balanced.
Just a good preamp with good-enough interconnect cable will work, as long as you don't need 10s of meters of cable. This is line level signal.

 

[Sawdust123]

The Emotiva PT100 ($329) has phono, line, and digital inputs as well as an FM tuner. I may add this to my system when I get powered speakers.

 

[JDMike]

If you are considering older unit (20+ years) the Denon PRA-1500 preamp would work. It has XLR outs, phono input and remote. There are 4 on that auction site as I type, all within your budget.

 

[Soniclife]

The only thing I can think of that exactly matches the spec is...
https://www.anthemav.com/products/model=str-pre-amplifier/page=overview
But it's hopelessly over budget.