help me decide: VTL 7.5 or ARC Ref 3


Hi, I am currently contemplating these two preamps. My reference is the Einstein The Tube preamp. Both of these sound pretty close to the Einstein. I would greatly appreciate feedback from owners of either preamp (past, present, future). Also, which one is more tubey? I have heard the Ref 3 and it sounds great. I have not heard the VTL 7.5 but have heard incredible things about it.

Thanks in advance.
tboooe

Showing 1 response by jc51373

IMO the newest version of the 7.5 is not even in the same class as the ARC 3. The 7.5 killed the ARC in my auditioning experiences. There is also a dramatic price difference between these two pieces that is being overlooked here. The ARC 3 is really more on par with the 6.5, both soundwise and pricewise.

At this level though you really can't go wrong with any of these pieces. They are are excellent, and make making a final decision very difficult.