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Best Preamp round $8000

Was looking at picking up either a used Mcintosh C1100 or a used AR Ref 6.
Being offered both around 8000. A audiogon member said I should start a thread about this because he felt that both preamps are overated and he owned both at 1 time. Would love members thoughts. Also on a completely different preamp I was being offered the ML 526 at $10,000. Thanks
topfinadv
gregm
3,411 posts
 
Hi, I owned the Ref 6 for a while. Replaced it with a (used) FM Acoustics. No comparison: dynamics, clarity, naturalness... I could go on. Mind you, the AR is an excellent device; the other one is better. Cost however was a tad higher at ~10k.
larryh111's avatar
larryh111
33 posts
 
The Ref 6 is a joy to listen to.  Quiet is dead quiet all music comes through clean and natural.  The preamp is not fatiguing at all.  The minute you turn it on you will appreciate what it does.  I have owned the Ref 3, Ref 5 and now the Ref 6 and have been happy with all of them but the Ref 6 is truly outstanding.  I also have a Dartzeel preamp which is amazing as well.  All things considered though I like tubes and the Ref 6 will stay in my system for some time to come. 
4425
861 posts
 
a used luxman c-900u might fall into your price range. it’s awesome all around
i also like the ml 523 and 526 very much but would still look for the luxman.
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