ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE

Also if you were to go the "direct" route or to replace the ARC Ref 2 with a Placette, you would not only come out ahead sonically, but also financially.

Also, the Manley can be optioned to offer an extra CD input.

Since you already had the ARC Ref Preamp MkII, it is definitely a right decision to go along with the Ref.Phono. I tried this combination, it is really life like with the best mid you would never expect from either of them when they are used in a stand alone situation and being part of other combinations. It is really strange to discover their best performance only when they are paired together. I own many other phonostage and this one can never disappoint you.

So when you guys are recommending the Manley, which piece of gear are you talking about? The Steelhead? Chinook? Or something else?

Thanks for your help

As this thread is decades old, it must have been the Steelhead. The Chinook had yet to be spawned, I believe.