ARC LS2 versus B.A.T. VK-3i

You're on the right track with the BAT VK-5i or 3i. They're open & transparent on top(though a bit rolled off), and warmer & bloomier in the middle than BAT's later preamps-- a good offset to the dry sound of Thiel & SS amp. If later on you feel you need more bass control, midrange neutrality, HF extension, then you can get it by replacing the BAT PIO coupling caps with better film caps.

I have Thiel 2.4s and just auditioned a VTL TL-2.5 tube preamp thru a Meridian G06 and Levinson 27.5 amp. It was absolutely amazing, utterly holographic and well, what can I say, very life-like sound, and haven't even optimized spkr wire choice yet. I have never heard such stage depth, width, and clarity in my system, and, as Dgarretson says above, the warmth of the tubes helps tame the overly-forward treble end of the Thiels. I've heard that the BAT vk3i is similar to the VTL and will be auditioning the BAT VK-3i in my system in a few weeks.

@Jim,

Did you audition the VK3i?

Mark

Mark, I decided to order a Pass Labs X2.5 preamp, didn't listen to the VK3i; from reading I think the Pass will be better and won't have the heat (in a cabinet, VK3i runs hot) or tube rolling to worry about. I'll post what I think of the Pass after it arrives. - Jim

Mark, I decided to order a Pass Labs X2.5 preamp ..

I don't know VTL or BATVK3i but I have the Thiels 2.4 and Pass Labs X1 (Parasound Halos JC1 amps) and it sounds fantastic