2. amps-preamps
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help me decide: VTL 7.5 or ARC Ref 3

Hi, I am currently contemplating these two preamps. My reference is the Einstein The Tube preamp. Both of these sound pretty close to the Einstein. I would greatly appreciate feedback from owners of either preamp (past, present, future). Also, which one is more tubey? I have heard the Ref 3 and it sounds great. I have not heard the VTL 7.5 but have heard incredible things about it.

Thanks in advance.
tboooe
frankpiet
307 posts
 
Hi guys: one question. What is an AMR player ?
Thanks for clarification.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Abbingdon Music Research CD-77
frankpiet
307 posts
 
Thanks for the info about AMR. I just want to point at Ayon Audio Polaris pre amp. A friend of mine just exchenged his VTL 7.5 with the Ayon Polaris - MILES better (MUCH wider and deeper sondstage, better timing, better musical flow, MUCH more transparent, nicer hights and much more natural mids). Can´t comment on the ARC.
jc51373
548 posts
 
IMO the newest version of the 7.5 is not even in the same class as the ARC 3. The 7.5 killed the ARC in my auditioning experiences. There is also a dramatic price difference between these two pieces that is being overlooked here. The ARC 3 is really more on par with the 6.5, both soundwise and pricewise.

At this level though you really can't go wrong with any of these pieces. They are are excellent, and make making a final decision very difficult.
hikejohn
69 posts
 
Any thoughts....seeking pre amp for system...have listened to Ref 3, LS 26 and VTL 6.5...current version....this is to drive a group of Ayre monoblocks....at this point the VTL seems to be best choice...has the air and detail/image/sound stage of Ref, but control at low end...this is for Rockport speakers...so any advice before I pull the trigger is appreciated....
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