Why did you switch from Audio Research Ref 3?

Hoping not to steal this thread, I've been considering the ARC Ref 3, VTL 6.5, the Cary SLP-05, the ARC LS-26 and the McIntosh C2300 as I move to 2 channel only. The problem is no in my area carries any of these so I can't audition anything.

My main speakers are B&W 802D, my CD player is a Cary 303/300 (which I like the sound of) and the amp is a Spectron Musician III SE MK2 with V-Cap option for added liquidty. I listen to all types of music except for hard rock/rap.

I want to add a tube based preamp as it will go well with the IEC based Spectron but have no idea what to get. I read countless reviews here, on Stereophile and in other magazines and Audio review.

Does anyone have something close to a SS amp using a tube preamp with B&W dimaond series speakers and if so what would your recommendations be?

Thanks in advance.

Nick778,

The VTL is the best of the bunch. Last pick would be Mac 2300 since it is not true balanced.

"It's all about harmony and synergy ..."

Especially the amplifier's input impedance. The Ref3 works best driving high impedance (100kOhms).

Dev,
If you see my amp evolution post, believe me, I have tried the long, hard and winding ways to elude spending so much on insanely priced equipments myself. However, in the end just have to take my hat off and throw in the towel to the FMAs. Those lengthy trip not only left me very little time to enjoy music (more the equipments), they also ended up being 'costlier' too (factoring each amp trade-ins and cable swapping for the last 15yrs!).

Yes, enjoyment of music is also the reason I decided to take the plunge and go for the FM268. With their built-in linearizer, I can practically fine tune the thousands of off-the-rack popular recordings I have, and turn them to sounding almost audiophile quality. Well, that's where their real added value weighs in--for me. Though, that may not mean anything (considering money spent) were they not also at least twice better than their own FM266MKII.

I have stated previously the ARC REF3 is a satisfying (fine sounding) pre-amp, maybe it's just me gotten tired, looking and choosing gears to live with on longer term basis now. To exit the merry-go-round, and out of the numbering game many manufacturers like to play these days.

As for your MBL speakers, I've had no exposure (aside from reading their articles and glowing reviews) to qualify any comment or recommendation, sorry.