Pream question


A few days ago I got Audio Research LS-5 MKII for testing. The sound seems good for me so I decided to buy it. But right now there are two more preamps in the same price range at our local market: Audio Research LS-25 MKII and Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE. All have quite positive feedbacks... What will be the best choice among these three?

My current system is: B&W Matrix 803 S2, Luxman Da-06 DAC and Luxman M600-A amp.
alex_bolotnikov

Showing 4 responses by zd542

The easiest way to do this, is to listen to all 3 and pick the one that sounds the best.
Sorry, but you did say the preamps were in your local market. I thought that meant you had access to them. If I had to buy blind, the BAT is probably the safest choice. I had the LS25 and its not the best match for your tweeter. The BAT has a nicer top end and the build quality is much better. But you're still taking a chance. You should try to listen to it first, if you can.
I think you'll be very happy with it. It sounds great and the build quality is outstanding.
How do you know that the caps are the problem? I know that I recommended the Bat, but sometimes things don't work out. I was kind of surprised that it didn't sound good for you. The last thing I would recommend for you to do is put money into an expensive preamp that you've never heard sounding good. There's other choices, and not only that, you really don't know if there is anything wrong with it.

That said, if you want to look into Caps, I would contact Bat. They're known for offering Cap upgrades, and if you explain to them the problem, they may be able to give you some good advice. Bat does have a very good reputation. I don't think they would mislead you in any way just to sell a preamp.