McIntosh C1000 tube pre vs. ARC Ref 3?

Sparkster- Everything is colored. There is no such thing as perfection. Good luck in your search.

Arthur

Sparkster, for a touch of added warmth you may want to vary the cable configuration rather than switching electronic components. Try for example a length of Purist Anniversary between the CDp and your linestage.

... or Kubala Sosna Emotion IC.

Sparkster...2 great preamps you demo'ed and you did it the right way. Aball is right though everything electronic adds color.

Thank you all for your responses. What about speakers? I have been contemplating a change, but I don't want to lose the transparency I love. Anyone hear the new Virgos or Avantis? Any speaker suggestions with this system would be appreciated. I heard the Vandy 5as at the show and wasn't overly impressed but it is the show.