Any of your choices would help to eliminate the 'leanness' of the MAP1. I have owned the CJ Premier 16LS2, VAC Renassiance mk II, BAT VK-31/50/51SE, but I have not heard a more modern VTL preamp. These are all very different, IMHO, but all would help negate the 'leanness' that you now hear. The CJ is rich, warm, sweet, but not very dynamic. The BAT is warm and dynamic, but not really sweet (compared to CJ and VAC, but sweeter than McCormack).
The VAC Renassiance mk II, and the Standard preamp are more extended and airy in the high's than either the BAT or the CJ. The VAC is also sweet in the midrange, yet does not have the power or authority in the bass that the BAT has.
So you have some decisions to make. Yes, all of these choices will eliminate the 'leanness' of your MAP-1, but do you also want more power and slam? (BAT), The sweetest midrange? (CJ), or the most extended, airest high's? (VAC).
You pays your money.....you makes your choices. FWIW, I've often been drawn to mostly VAC and BAT gear. Though I've owned mostly BAT gear, I'm currently living very happily with VAC gear.
Cheers,
John
The VAC Renassiance mk II, and the Standard preamp are more extended and airy in the high's than either the BAT or the CJ. The VAC is also sweet in the midrange, yet does not have the power or authority in the bass that the BAT has.
So you have some decisions to make. Yes, all of these choices will eliminate the 'leanness' of your MAP-1, but do you also want more power and slam? (BAT), The sweetest midrange? (CJ), or the most extended, airest high's? (VAC).
You pays your money.....you makes your choices. FWIW, I've often been drawn to mostly VAC and BAT gear. Though I've owned mostly BAT gear, I'm currently living very happily with VAC gear.
Cheers,
John