ARC REF 5SE, CJ GAT or ?

If you can live with the GAT's single ended RCA connections, I vote GAT. I've looked at and owned other preamps but have always been the happiest with my GAT. Great 3D and layering with an ever so slightly sweet top end with great width and height. I love it. Also, only two tubes to replace and relatively inexpensive to re-tube. At the prices for the used GATs right now, I think they are a bargain.

CJ GAT is the best preamp I have ever heard bar none.

Great query and tough question(s) Wemfan-

I have heard the ARC Ref5 SE w/ both ARC and Bryston power amps. I liked it best w/ solid-state power. On the C-J side, the highest model that I demo'ed and rather enjoyed was the ACT2 SERIES2. It also sounds outstanding w/ solid-state power. On my short-list to demo is the CJ ART3 and GAT. The ARC performs at its best w/ Transparent cables/cords. Audience is a natural, sonic match for CJ gear. Audioquest is a 3rd match. Tara Labs is a 4th.

Stated, VTL is an excellent performer-I do not know how it will compliment the Krell mono blocks?
VAC is another consideration for a tubed pre-amp.

PLease keep me posted and Happy Listening! =JA

cj because I like the sound of their components and they are reliable and they back them well. But at this level it is personnel preference.

Chuck

Here is my situation. I am a musician and not really an audiophile so I have just been feeling my way through and acquiring some gear here and there trying to improve my home stereo systems. I live in an area where I can't find audio gear at this level to try out so I am going to have to just make a decision and live with it. I want to buy new or nearly new and want something I can use for many, many years to come. I have never heard any ARC or CJ but narrowed my search down by just reading on audio forums. I have been using a Mac C2300 which sounds good but it is also easily the best pre amp I have had the chance to hear.

I will look at the VTL 7.5 MK.iii and VAC. I am not familiar with either one of them. I don't think the XLR inputs will matter to me as I will only have a very short cable run. I appreciate the responses, all were informative. After reading them I am going to look a little harder at the Gat.