2. amps-preamps
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BAT vk-52SE vs ARC Ref 3 vs CJ CT 5

OK so I have a conundrum. Do I replace a BAT VK-51se with one of these? I use all BAT tube equipment and QUAD 988 speakers, plus a turntable and sub. I may change the speakers, but the pre-amp is the thing now. I have heard the CJ CT6 and found it very involving, a bit narrow in sound stage but deep, and tuned a bit higher in tone then the 51SE. Any comparrisons made by anyone on any of these (51SE or 52SE) and the others.
gjgoldy
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I just replaced my 51SE with Placette RVC. The improvement was phenomenal. My jaw dropped to the floor when I first heard it. And best of all - it is only 1000$ vs 9500$ for the 51SE. IMO Placette is the best value product I came across in my 15+ years in hi-end audio.

Make sure to try it before buying anything else. May work for you as well. Placette gives 30 days money back guarantee.
semi
649 posts
 
Elberoth,

Did you lose any dynamic going from BAT 51SE to Placette? I have owned RVC and a friend has Placette active; I have always thought Placette is not the most dynamic pre out there. I assumed you are keeping the IC between pre & power very short?
rgurney
279 posts
 
Elberoth2 - The Placette is a passive pre-amp, if I am correct. Please elaborate on your amp and interconnect lengths, as I understand that passives are very dependent on amp input impedance and do best with very short interconnects. Thanks.
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