BAT vk-52SE vs ARC Ref 3 vs CJ CT 5

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.

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?

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.

I just replaced my CAT SL1 with the Placette RVC. I heard no loss in dynamics at all. I use a 1m Cardas GR between the Placette and my CAT JL2 Amp (100kOhm input impedance, .85mv input sensitivity). Done right (proper matching bewteen source and amp), I don't think you can beat a passive for purity, transparency, and yes dynamics - especially microdynamics. If you have a difficult, low impedance SS amp, or long ICs with overall hiogh capacitance you may not great sounds, but getting it right is no more difficult that implemnting an SET strategy.