2. amps-preamps
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Conrad Johnson vs Audio Research vs BAT vs Cary

Just recently acquired a mint condition Threshold T400 and love its sound. It will soon be time to upgrade my preamp which is currently a Quicksilver Linestage 1. I'm considering within the $2500-$3500 the following - Conrad Johnson Premier LS17, Audio Research LS17, BAT VK-3iX, BAT VK31SE, and Cary SLP98. I know there is a bit of range here, but am interested to see who has done some direct comparisons, and who is pairing with similar solid state amps. Thanks.
terrytam99
keithr
1,306 posts
 
i've owned bat and cary---very different sounds. depends on what you are after.

bat wilil have better detail. cary will be warmer (almost a bit too warm for me, but i still love that preamp)
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
Imagine me finding Keith in here! :)

I've owned an ARC LS26 (the 17s big brother) as well as the 98 (which was recommended to me by Keith) and enjoyed both.

The ARC and Cary are at polar opposite ends of the tubed preamp spectrum. The ARC leans dry and the Cary way, way warm but in a good way IMO.

Which will you like more? Only you can determine that. I used both with NuForce amps.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Add an Aesthetix Calypso to your ones under consideration. I used to have a CJ Premier 17LS2 and don't miss it, though it was a fine-sounding linestage.
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