Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

Hi Barayni

Good question. I have series 1 ART.
I would suggest if you have never heard the prem 16/17 or ART one would be very happy with the ACT2/CT5.
For me the prem16/ART series has a more organic musical presentation.
the ACT2 does the hifi aspects of music better like tight bass, more extended treble.
But the ART to my ears is just more natural sounding and lets the natural tonal qualities of instruments become easier to hear. Soundstage is just huge with the ART as well. A Bad recording will still sound bad, however the ART seems to make it easier to listen to, without making everything slow and veiled.
I would luv to hear the ART3, however I may end up preferring the original - who knows thou.

>>Is that a problem for you??????<<

When you fail to disclose your affiliation with AA, it is a problem for everyone reading this thread.

Got it?

Regarding your assertion that the AA linestage is better than the others under consideration you appear to have much to learn as it pales in comparison to all of them.

Got it?

Downunder,
Thanks for the comparison. Let me ask you if you have compared the ARC REF 3 to the ART. I was wondering if you have heard any of the Supratek preamps since you are Downunder? Thanks Bob

I have audio aero capitole mk2 cd player , direct in my amplifier, I have tryied 3 pre amplifiers before - Audio research reference 3, audiopax model 5 and gamut d3, the AR ref 3 was a little better than the preamplifier that comes with cdplayer , the others did not add nothing, but I think in buy another cd player with SACD so I will need one preamplifier,my list became small: joule 150 mk2, wyetech opal or pearl, supratek . But now there is a MBL dealer in my country , what about the MBL preamplifiers 6011D or 5011.

NO Baranyi, I have not heard the ref 3. I have heard the previous ref series and for my tastes a little too forward and closer to SS sound than I would like.
An audio buddy of mine in Melb owns a suptratek and he likes it a lot, however I live in Sydney, so have never heard it. They suptratek guy, Mick is based in Perth, which is 4000 miles away, so he might as well be in the USA :)