I run the D-200 stereo amp right now but will be getting the M200 monos in two days (hopefully). I have had the ARC Ref *2* pre' in my system and currently use the First Sound 4.0/Paramount Plus pre-amp.
The First Sound and the GamuT combo is just stunning. The FS pre's are a simple (but extensively executed) tubed design with everything completely manual with dual mono controls (and internals). If you can deal with that, I can't think of a better pre-amp with GamuT amps.
In my system, The Ref 2 had a wider sound stage, but the FS pre' had a lower noise floor and the music seemed to sound less “processed” and more immediate. The Ref 3 maybe an entirely different matter.
The First Sound and the GamuT combo is just stunning. The FS pre's are a simple (but extensively executed) tubed design with everything completely manual with dual mono controls (and internals). If you can deal with that, I can't think of a better pre-amp with GamuT amps.
In my system, The Ref 2 had a wider sound stage, but the FS pre' had a lower noise floor and the music seemed to sound less “processed” and more immediate. The Ref 3 maybe an entirely different matter.