fwiw i owned a ML 326s and an ARC Ref 3 back a few years ago and just couldn’t shake the fact that the ARC was like an empty box compared to the ML and i felt that the ML sounded better. also the construction and operating software were as good as it gets. having owned a 326s and luxman c-900u imo that gap probably still exists. luxman and ML put serious money into their products. arc not so much. if i’m going to spend 8k and up for a component it should look as good as it sounds. i don’t buy the theory that the box doesn’t matter and that the manufacturers of low budget boxes are putting their money on the inside. the preamp is the unit that you most interface with so you best like to operate it as well as look at it. just my opinion of course.
Best Preamp round $8000
Was looking at picking up either a used Mcintosh C1100 or a used AR Ref 6.
Being offered both around 8000. A audiogon member said I should start a thread about this because he felt that both preamps are overated and he owned both at 1 time. Would love members thoughts. Also on a completely different preamp I was being offered the ML 526 at $10,000. Thanks
Being offered both around 8000. A audiogon member said I should start a thread about this because he felt that both preamps are overated and he owned both at 1 time. Would love members thoughts. Also on a completely different preamp I was being offered the ML 526 at $10,000. Thanks