2. amps-preamps
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Pream question

A few days ago I got Audio Research LS-5 MKII for testing. The sound seems good for me so I decided to buy it. But right now there are two more preamps in the same price range at our local market: Audio Research LS-25 MKII and Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE. All have quite positive feedbacks... What will be the best choice among these three?

My current system is: B&W Matrix 803 S2, Luxman Da-06 DAC and Luxman M600-A amp.
alex_bolotnikov
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The easiest way to do this, is to listen to all 3 and pick the one that sounds the best.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
All three could be quite old.
Whichever you choose, you'll probably want to send back to the factory for an inspection (caps in particular).
alex_bolotnikov OP
32 posts
 
It's quite a problem to be able to listen to the used amps. Not many sellers are ready to give a "trial period"... The same is with sending to the factory for an inspection - the overseas shipping is rather expensive and noone can guarantee that the amp survives it well.

As I understand the BAT should be the newest one among all three?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Sorry, but you did say the preamps were in your local market. I thought that meant you had access to them. If I had to buy blind, the BAT is probably the safest choice. I had the LS25 and its not the best match for your tweeter. The BAT has a nicer top end and the build quality is much better. But you're still taking a chance. You should try to listen to it first, if you can.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
My guess is they've been making the VK-51SE almost 20 years.
The internet (or BAT) can tell you for sure...
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