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"Reference" Preamps

Seems like every time I turn my head there's a new "reference" preamp available. Heck, in this month's stereophile there are TWO that are better than anything else out there. Seems like their reviewers don't talk to one another.

Problem is that no one in the press ever wants to COMPARE sonics anymore, but they're oh so quick to throw superlatives around, and gush over dozens of subjective attributes.

I want to upgrade my ARC LS25mk2 preamp and would like to know where to spend my time. These are all $10kish msrp preamps that would hopefully fall into the "last preamp I'll ever want to own" category.

Audio Research Reference 3
Ayre K1xe
BAT VK-51SE
EAR 912
Mark Levinson 326

Didn't make my list:

Conrad-Johnson ACT2 (no balanced outs)
Hovland HP1000 (no balanced outs)
Lamm Reference 2 (no remote, separate volume controls)

Would someone care to start offering comparative opinions on these? What other preamps should I add to this list?

Thanks!
128x128ghunter
graystar's avatar
graystar
1 posts
 
I upgraded from the LS 25 MK2 to the Ref 2, and then to the Ref 3. I don't think you will find one better. If the Ref 3 is too much, the new LS 26 is actually better than the Ref 2 MK2.

Good luck,

Bob
soundlock
101 posts
 
If you can do without a remote, you owe it to yourself to try and audition the H-Cat preamp from North American Products. See their website for a list of dealers at www.H-Cat.com. I personally think it is the best preap regardless of price.
cmo
471 posts
 
I will second Alberts Aesthetix Callisto Signature suggestion. I went from an ARC LS25II to this preamp and the differences where pretty dramatic.

The ARC sounded real nice, was quiet, and did nothing wrong as far as I am concerned. The Callisto is quieter, sounds nicer in every way, and does everything very "right". I can't tell you how it sounds compared to some of the others, but it is one heck of a pre amp from my experience.

Chris
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Never heard the Callisto, but head to head the VAC Ren Mk2 beat the Calypso in every way. It has balanced out and a very nice remote. Comes w or w/o phono stage.
gregm
3,409 posts
 
Requirement for a remote limits my (already limited) choices here. As ALbert notes, given the wording and the clues in yr wuestion, the AR-3, the VAC (above)would be possibilities, as would be the big Aesthetics (many tubes there).

Generally speaking, however, only three-and-a-half line stages impressed me as being definitely superior to all other (excellent /outstanding) pre's I heard(including no pre):
*FM acoustics 245/255 (no remote ASAI recall)
*Goldmund mim. 7.1 i think (old model; no remote, single ended)
*Goldmund 27.3 (remote & balanced -- OK; expensive)
*EInstein acoustics tube pre (not sure about remote; didn't use one)
*Dartzeel pre (no remote AFAI recall; you get a phono however). This is the "half": I only listened to it once.

Cheers
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