2. amps-preamps
  3. 1158525202

Need balanced pre with HT bypass/remote/

I recently bought some great used ATC SCM 150ASL active loudspeakers on this site. They are wonderful replacements for my VMPS RM/X's, but they have put my great-sounding Modwright SWL 9.0 SE into a tizzy. Due to the SWL being single-ended there are numerous ground and buzz/hum issues that have arisen because of rca-to-XLR, etc.. Some grounding straps have helped quiet it up in 2 channel but the HT bypass continues to have noise now. Jensen isolators may help, too, but it's getting crazy. Anyway, I'm also susceptible to phase inversion and I use to be able to swap speaker leads when i thought things would sound better that way; I can no longer do that with the ATC's (no speaker leads). The Modwright inverts phase, period.

So, I am in the market for not simply a replacement for the Modwright, but I want a significant upgrade if I'm gonna do this. The table stakes include true balanced outs, remote control, HT bypass (or unity gain-fixed gain), and an invert phase switch if possible. The following are a list of contenders based on my internet surfing over the past couple of days. Any opinions on these would be very helfpul. I've read quite a few user opinions, and most list the Ref 3 as tops, but a couple folks claim they like the new LS26 better, and it's almost half the price (neither are likely available used). The other top contenders would be possiblly available used or new:
* ARC Ref 3
* ARC LS26
* ARC Ref 2 Mk 2
* BAT VK-51SE
* Aesthetix Calypso
* Pass Labs x0.2 (no invert function)

My 2 channel equipment is mainly:
* a wonderful sounding Modwright tubed-modded Denon 3910 for redbook and hirez
* a SOTA Saphire tt into a Dynavector P-75 stage (will soon upgrade SOTA, and possibly Dyna down the line)
* ATC SCM150ASl active speakers with triamps internal

Note: Although I also have a 5.1 and 7.1 setup in this room, driven by the modded 3910 hirez surround and DVD into a Denon 4806 acting as a surround pre (soon to Anthem D2 for balanced needs into ATC surrounds, as well) it's mainly my 2 channel sound I'm focused on now.

Feel free to add a pre of your choice, but it needs to include the basics. Thx much,
Ted
tedmbrady
tedmbrady OP
208 posts
 
Getheleadout,
I respect the reviews that Placette is getting. However, I don't have them on my list cuz I don't think they have an HT bypass or invert phase capability, let alone their balanced out versions are more than a Ref 3. Not to say they aren't good; just aren't compatible with my needs. Th website has little info.
oneobgyn
410 posts
 
Hands down winner is the ARC Ref 3...best preamp I have ever owned.
terrycym
5 posts
 
Accuphase C-2400 meets all requirements plus it has an optional MM/MC phono module too which isn't at all bad.
sonofnorway
62 posts
 
The BAT VK-31SE would also give you everything you're looking for. I can't comment sound-wise on the VK-31SE vs VK-51SE, but the 31SE has two XLR inputs and 3 RCA inputs, so depending on your source components, if you need RCA inputs the 31SE may be something to check into. I have one at the center of my combo 2-channel and home theater system, and it is dead quiet, no noise issues at all.

The new BAT VK-42SE may also be something to consider.
sbrtoy
122 posts
 
Calypso meets your requirements and is a bargain for it's sound quality. Also you could add the Sonic Frontiers Line 3 to the list as it meets most of your needs.
More to discover