2. amps-preamps
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Upgrading VTL 2.5 pre-amp to: CAT, BAT, or ARC?

I've been thinking about upgrading from my VTL 2.5 TL pre-amp for a long time. My latest (used) choices are: CAT Sig. (Ultimate if possible), ARC LS25 MKII (or LS5, if possible), or BAT (probably VK5i). Other choices might be Hoveland, Joule Electra, or Rogue 99. Besides great sound, my priorities are: build quality, resale, & convenience features. I listen to about 20% vinyl, so a built-in phono pre would be nice, but I'm resigned to getting an outboard one if I buy an ARC for instance. Remote is nice too, but I could live w/o if I get a CAT or Hoveland.

The ARC LS25 MKII is at the top of my list.......partly because I own a VT100 MKII, & it's the best amp I've ever owned. I'm impressed by the build quality & looks. An LS25 almost seems like a no brainer. I know it would be big bucks once I bought a used PH-whatever in addition.

The CAT, I've always heard great things about, & it would be nice to have a high quality built in phono stage. BAT, I've only read good things about. Did the VK5 come with remote &/or phono stage? Hoveland, well I just thought I'd add it to the list. I know there's a lot of nice pre-amps out there & probably others I should consider. And the VTL 2.5 sounds excellent imo (except the phono stage is very noisy), but I just have an urge to try something different.

Rest of my system is: ARC VT100 MKII, Fanfare tuner, Cary 303/200 CD (alternating with CAL CL-25), Rega P25/Benz Glider, and B&W M802 SIII's (alternating with Merlin TSM-M's). Thanks in advance for any advice!
steveaudio
bigkidz
3,371 posts
 
I just compared my BAT VK-30SE to the ARC LS-25 MKII a few days ago and the ARC bettered my BAT in sound stage, slightly better bass definition and better dynamics. The BAT seemed to compress or limit the dynamics versus the 25. Don't get me wrong, the BAT does verything right, jsut not as good as the ARC. I have heard the VTL jsut not in direct comaprision on the same system and I do not think it is in the same league as the others.

Anyone want to buy a BAT preamp?

Peter
rec
328 posts
 
I upgraded from the VTL 2.5 to the Cat Sig. Mk111, it was a significant upgrade. I kept the CAT for a number of years until I purchased a low output moving coil cartridge. The phono section in the CAT just didn't have enough gain. I went to the Audio Research LS25 Mk11 and an outboard phono stage. In my system the LS25 was a good match, it did lack the detail of the CAT but overall it was a better match for my system. It also had a remote which I greatly appreciated. The LS25 is a great match with the VT100. When you look a preamps at this level they are all excellent and its a matter of features and which one best match your system.
snook2's avatar
snook2
626 posts
 
Its up to your ears but I went from a CAT ultimate to an Aloia at half the cost. Aloia is faster with deeper bass and better phono section. With totally different electronics had would one know which is better.
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ivanj
35 posts
 
You might want to consider the Atmasphere MP3. Single ended balanced and comes with a phono stage (or without).
semi
649 posts
 
ARC pre + power might be too much of a "good" thing. ARC, like CJ, can sound too lush and warm in the midrange and lose a little transparency. I will recommend mating your VT-100 with something more neutral so you don't overdose yourself with the ARC sound. SF is one of the top active pre amp I can think of that is very neutral and transparent. I had LS-15 + VT-100 before. It wasn't until I switch to SF Line 3 that I realize how much ARC sound I was getting.
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