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

Hi Downunder,

I have not heard the Ref. 3 in my own system, but, I've heard it at shows and dealerships. It is much less analytical, dry and lean sounding than prior ARC linestages (other ARC linestages sounded more "solid state" than almost any solid state gear to me). I don't know how the Ref. 3 compares to the CJ ACT 3, but I bet the sound is now much closer than in the past.

But now there is a MBL dealer in my country , what about the MBL preamplifiers 6011D or 5011

In absolute terms, the 6011 then the 5011.

But, I really can't tell what you need: i.e. both are very versatile and practical with lots of functionalities and... good. So, you may not need a 6011.
Both are exquisitely engineered by the way.
I would also *assume* both are better than the Capitole's embedded pre... but don't know. Really, you must try them.

HI Larry
I would hope the cj ART3 at $25k would bring something unique to the musical equation that the original ART or REF3 don't currently bring :-)

Hi Downunder, there are at least 5 other tube preamps I can think of that will do that. If I think about it, I can probably name more. Any reason why you limit yourself to the CJ?

I am not sure what your point is Atmasphere.
I can think of plenty of tube pre amps as well. I have tried VTL7.5, ARC ref 1 & 2, CAT, cary 98P and new cj ACT2 / CT5.

I much prefer the musical presentation of the original ART/prem16. That is why I have come back to cj pre amp after 3 years of not limiting myself to cj.