2. amps-preamps
  3. 128480-90127

Looking to upgrade my preamp, suggestions?

Decided it is time to try out a newer preamp, have upgraded everything else over last couple of months bar this so...
Present pre is an ARC LS2 with gold lion tube and herbies tube damper.
Rest is Esoteric sa-50, bat vk600se and b&w 804d.
Listen exclusively to rock music, old and new
Important to myself, solid bass, vocals and soundstage, a remote might be nice too...lol
Thinking along the lines so far of bat vk32se, a newer ARC like ls17 or 27. Yes all tubes
Suggestions along solid state lines please?
budget is about 3500 max
Prefer to hear from actual owners of preamps suggested for your actual experiences
thank you all in advance 
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
I decided to go with some convenience factors as well just to reduce the amount of "boxes" all connected up!
Went with a McIntosh C48. which has yet to arrive so hopefully not a bad choice, but this will allow me to get rid of the phono preamp, the headphone amp and to plug the digital inputs from the tv and the Vault direct into the Mac rather than going through the Esoteric.

Sometimes it cannot all just be purely what is the best sound but a compromise as well.
Hopefully the sound will not be a compromise but will soon know!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Congratulation on the McIntosh.   In your budget, I would go for ARC REF3 or EAR 868.  I prefer over MW 36.5 especially one without an external PS.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
I think you already have a very fine preamp.
james5
2 posts
 
Another vote for ModWright. I've had the SWL9.0SE for many years with all the upgrades. 
alanholvey's avatar
alanholvey
96 posts
 
I am presently using an Audio Research LS27 which I got for $4000.  But I previously had an LS26, which should be going for around $3000.  You can not do better for the money.  Plus are both single ended plus ballanced.
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