2. amps-preamps
  3. 1158525202

Need balanced pre with HT bypass/remote/

I recently bought some great used ATC SCM 150ASL active loudspeakers on this site. They are wonderful replacements for my VMPS RM/X's, but they have put my great-sounding Modwright SWL 9.0 SE into a tizzy. Due to the SWL being single-ended there are numerous ground and buzz/hum issues that have arisen because of rca-to-XLR, etc.. Some grounding straps have helped quiet it up in 2 channel but the HT bypass continues to have noise now. Jensen isolators may help, too, but it's getting crazy. Anyway, I'm also susceptible to phase inversion and I use to be able to swap speaker leads when i thought things would sound better that way; I can no longer do that with the ATC's (no speaker leads). The Modwright inverts phase, period.

So, I am in the market for not simply a replacement for the Modwright, but I want a significant upgrade if I'm gonna do this. The table stakes include true balanced outs, remote control, HT bypass (or unity gain-fixed gain), and an invert phase switch if possible. The following are a list of contenders based on my internet surfing over the past couple of days. Any opinions on these would be very helfpul. I've read quite a few user opinions, and most list the Ref 3 as tops, but a couple folks claim they like the new LS26 better, and it's almost half the price (neither are likely available used). The other top contenders would be possiblly available used or new:
* ARC Ref 3
* ARC LS26
* ARC Ref 2 Mk 2
* BAT VK-51SE
* Aesthetix Calypso
* Pass Labs x0.2 (no invert function)

My 2 channel equipment is mainly:
* a wonderful sounding Modwright tubed-modded Denon 3910 for redbook and hirez
* a SOTA Saphire tt into a Dynavector P-75 stage (will soon upgrade SOTA, and possibly Dyna down the line)
* ATC SCM150ASl active speakers with triamps internal

Note: Although I also have a 5.1 and 7.1 setup in this room, driven by the modded 3910 hirez surround and DVD into a Denon 4806 acting as a surround pre (soon to Anthem D2 for balanced needs into ATC surrounds, as well) it's mainly my 2 channel sound I'm focused on now.

Feel free to add a pre of your choice, but it needs to include the basics. Thx much,
Ted
tedmbrady
tedmbrady OP
208 posts
 
Ije,
I meant that I removed the ground loop from the Modwright's HT bypass by ungrounding the surround processor (in my case a Denon 4806 used purely as a pre/pro, amps are all external) by using a two prong cheater plug, and also by running the HT bypass input (front l/r's from Denon) through a Xitel ground loop isolator. I'm less concerned about my 5.1 sound right now, although this is purely a band-aid until I get a balanced pre (subject of this thread) and a balanced pre/pro (like an Anthem D2). I still need to get the remaining active ATC surround speakers so my 5.1 setup (let alone my 7.1 setup) is not well-matched right now anyway.
tedmbrady OP
208 posts
 
OB,
Thanks. Damn, was hoping the newer tech in the LS26 helped it move past the Ref 3, or at least catch it...but at half the price I wasn't ready to bet on it. :>)
oneobgyn
410 posts
 
At 1/2 the price you are indeed getting darn close to the Ref 3.

Audition both. The LS 26 is terrific BUT if you can swing it go for the Ref 3
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The VAC will fill your bill, Ted, if you don't need the true balanced circuitry. The remote on the VAC is quite nice, FWIW. Volume (motorized), input change, tape mon off/on, mute, and bypass in/out.
tedmbrady OP
208 posts
 
Swampkiller,
Is that the Renaissance or the Ren Signature? The Signature version seems awfully expensive, even compared to the Ref 3. I can't swing >$10k.

The recent Sonic Flare has a couple of interesting takes on ATC actives. They love 'em but warn that synergy with a preamp is quite counterintuitive. They are surprised by the great marriage with, of all things, the YBA Passion 400, but even YBA doesn't have that piece on their damn website. Anyway, their warning is that ATC eats preamps for lunch and it's system synergy is quirky.....great :>(
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