ARC REF 3 vs ML 326s

discussing record cleaning on a preamp thread ? quite funny.
Even more so when you look at the OP's virtual system and see that he doesn't own a record player.
   
TTM - I would recommend a tube preamp in your chain, but look for one with variable gain. This will allow you to deal with compressed rock music better which is your requirement. ARC no longer offer variable gain.
When I contacted Leonard and Kalvin over the years at ARC - you know when you could get them direct, I asked why not ? Their response to me was.... 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Klyne and Atma Sphere are two that offer this feature. For ARC you would need to go back to before remotes were used - if this is a requirement ?  I have heard many preamps in my room including SP8, SP10, and Ref ARC models. I would not give up variable gain. Once one has mastered how to use it with different sources, different recorded music material (all genres), different amps, you can't be without it.

Check out the Belles tube Preamps. You will forget about the brands mentioned above once you have heard a Belles. One thing that is remarkable about Dave Belles tube designs is that they are dead quiet as a tomb. You will hear no hiss sound coming from the tubes which is a problem with many tube preamps. Hand made in New York. Both his solid state and tube designs are known for their very rich, ultra smooth sonic character with killer bass. Off the radar, doesn't advertise, and has been in business for thirty years. Very strong word of mouth reputation. Has a strong cult following in Asia and Great Britain. His VT-01 and LA-01 tube preamps are true statement pieces. Build quality is much better than ARC. The performance level of these units are typical of tube designs in the $10K to $20K price range.

Link to the Belles website...


                                    www.powermodules.com

UPDATE.....Went with a brand new ARC Ref 6..Couldnt be more happy!!!!!