I have always been a fan of ARC preamps combined with Lamm M series amps. I found the LL2.1 pre plus M1.2 to be a tad dark sounding. I would mate the Ref 5SE with the M1.2s but that does not have an onboard phono plus it retails for $12,995, which I am assuming is a bit more than you are looking to spend (but maybe not). Perhaps a used Ref 5SE in the $8Kish range if you can find one. The other option is the new ARC SP-20 which is supposed to be close in performance to the Ref 5SE in terms of the linestage and that has an MM/MC phono stage which is supposed to be comparable to ARC's PH-8 phono stage. The SP-20 I believe retails for $9K but again perhaps finding a demo or mint used one is an option you might want to consider. Not familiar with ML kit so not helpful on that front.
Good luck.
PS: I have seen many exhibitors at audio shows pair up ARC pres and Lamm M series amps, as well as quite a few AA members here who have that combo or have tried it in the past.
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