Preamp

dskinner5, 

C2500 is a nice pre but not in same league as 5SE. In fact, ARC LS28 bettered the C2500 in my system. 

I agree with audioguy recommendation of 5SE if you can’t afford Ref6. But if you can swing the Ref6, you will be set for a good while. 

I am saving up my pennies for Ref6 :-)

The Ref 5se is definitely better than the C2500.  Although I did not compare directly with that particular unit but instead, the comparison was made with the Mcintosh C1100 dual box preamp running through my Pass Labs 160.5 monos and the Ref 5se was still more musical and better in all parameters.  My dealer was informed me that the Mcintosh has a lot more problems with their preamplifiers over the years than Audio Research and my researches over the net had shown that to be true.  Good luck on your preamp searches.

Okay,good to know, Thank you. If you know anyone looking for a REL R528 in Piano blk in MINT condition with very low hours on it let me know, Thanks again.

Why not a Pass XP10 or 20 ?

@dskinner5 if you are looking for a balanced tube preamp, I would not limit yourself to ARC. I'm very sure you can do better and for less $