ARC Ref 3 or VTL 6.5?

Guidocorona, my system consists of Esoteric x01, all transparent ultra mm cables and shunyata pcs (python & anaconda). It is not that I don't like ls25 but looking for something better. I mostly listen to classic and some jazz.

What a coincidence Allenc, I also have an X-01, into Ref 3, Into Rowland 7M, into MagnePan 3A. My Ref 3 replaces an ARC LS2B. I chronicled my long selection process on the following thread:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1123254379&openmine&Guidocorona&4&5&st0
I listen almost only to classical music, and within that not too much orchestra, but mostly chamber and vocal. You won't go wrong with either linestages. VTL will give you perhaps just slightly softer transients and a slightly more intimate or romantic feel. Ultimately you may need to audition both these creatures. . . really tough to find them both in the same store though, except perhaps at Soundworks in Kensington (Ma). 301-929-8600. If you decide to buzz them, you should make sure you talk to Peter, he is extremely knowledgeable, the rest of that company's crowd is quite run of the mill instead. By the way, you should try an Anaconda Helix Alpha on your X-01 if you have the opportunity!

For the biggest immediate improvement, ditch the Transparent cables. Transparent makes a system sound lifeless -- or at least that was what a friend and I heard in our systems. If the high end needs taming, Transparent works great -- but you pay a big price. If you don't believe me, borrow something like any of Acoustic Zen cables and see (hear) for yourself.

If your amp contains the super balanced topology it will benifit from running fully balanced. There is a new circuit recently released into the VTL 6.5 that was not included until a recent release. Make sure you get the latest version. It incorporates updates that have been introduced into the VTL 7.5 mk II. They didn't rebadge it though. Also the updates increase dynamics while maintaining transparency. It is a worthwhile upgrade. If you like the VTL sound then stay w. the VTL preamp. I honestly believe there is a strong synergy staying with a brand to some extent.

Dgad, do you happen to know when was the update on the 6.5 introduced? And do all 6.5s after such date sport the new circuitry, or is it an option only? The update may very well have addressed some of the mild objections I voiced on the 7.5 when I listened to it two years ago. This all points to Allenc really needing to hear both these devices before committing to one of them.