Audio Research ref3, vtl 7.5 vs FS paramount MKII

I do own the Ref 3 and do love it on my fully balanced system. Having said that, Ref 3 shines definitely in balanced systems using XLR ICs. In single ended mode I have heard mixed opinions instead. I also love the VTL 6.5 MK2. . . have not heard the 7.5 MK2. First Sound can be sourced directly from the manufacturer. . . no need to go through a dealer if one does not exist in your area. Guido

Salvo, a direct comparison of First Sound Paramount with Ref 3 is a tricky business at best:
First Sound is a single ended design optimized to operate in a single ended system. . . it may not shine at its best when inserted in an otherwise balanced system.
Ref 3 is a symmetrically balanced designed optimized to operate in a fully balanced system. . . it may not shine in a single ended system. . . I know I do not really like its performance when I turn off the balanced signal.

Hi Soundisntmusic, I do stand humbly corrected. I just checked with Bea at VTL and you are absolutely right. . . there is no such animal as a 6.5 Mk.2. the TL6.5 is in its original model. As I mentioned elsewhere, I have been very taken by the 6.5 after I purchased the Ref 3. I purchased Ref 3 before the 6.5 was introduced. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity of doing a direct comparison this far. Having said that, I have not heard in the 6.5 any of the relative flaws of 'Bluthnerization' of piano sound that I experienced in my auditions of the original 7.5. Were I to consider a new tubed linestage, both the VTL 6.5 and the 7.5 Mk.2 would definitely be in the running.