Pre to match with Bel Canto amp s

I use ARC sp16 pre with BC ref1000m amps and also have a BC C5i integrated.

Both sound excellent but there are notable differences.

The main thing is if you are running a higher output impedance tube pre-amp, you need a BC amp model that has at least 40kohm input impedance. Most newer BC amp models include 100kohm unbalanced and 200kohm balanced input impedance, and will work well with most any pre-amp. Older models prior to the m series designation tend to have lower input impedances as I recall and may not work as well with many tube pre-amps.

Other than that you are good to go with most any combo. Each will sound different still and you can choose what sounds best, but at least you know you have two components that mate together optimally from a technical perspective.

Get the Pre 3 as it is very, very good indeed. I owned one and was very impressed. Best value pre I have heard really.

Thank you.

I'm using a ref500s amp.

If you like the Bel Canto sound, which tends to be very neutral, holographic, extended, and lush, you'll probably get it best with a BC pre-amp to match the amp.

But the nice thing I find with my ref1000m amps is that they are very transparent, so you can easily achieve other flavors of sound you might like with other pre-amp lines. The Audio Research sp16 tube pre-amp I use normally with the BC amps add just a touch of tube like presence in the midrange, which is not something that I think is an inherent characteristic of teh BC sound.

Get the Pre 3 as it is very, very good indeed. I owned one and was very impressed. Best value pre I have heard really.
Grannyring

This.
I used the Pre3 with a Ref500S a couple years ago and should've stopped right there. Have used a lot of nice gear since, but haven't really bettered my system. Stupid audiophilia.