Unfortunately, I don't believe I have a close enough relationship with this dealer to warrant a loaner unless I purchase and return. I used to live near a dealer who freely let me borrow what was in stock over the weekend or a couple of weeks for his slower moving gear so I could make a relaxed assessment of the gear. No such relationship with this dealer...but that takes time and a few purchases to establish credibility. Besides that, I'm really leaning towards to Ref2 or Ref3.
Preamp Help
I've been scouring the net for all types of information and thought it prudent to reach out to my fellow Agoners for some help in choosing a new/used tube preamp. Recently sold my Allnic L1500...too dark...and using a Reference Line One Series II passive....more gain...but I do like it. Spent the weekend listening to new Audio Research gear at dealer and was blown away by GSPre. Totally out of my price range, but was thinking about similar performance and tone from used...maybe LS17SE, Ref3, Ref2 MKII, etc. Any suggestions? I've had:
CJ ET2 - Too Noisy even after return to CJ
Allnic L1500 - Too dark, blunted leading edges
First Sound MKII - Terrible ergonomics, Gain too course, but otherwise great sound...pretty close to ideal
Reference Line 1A - Not enough gain, tends to be too forward
But it was the sound of the AR that approaches the type of balanced sound I'm searching for. (Dealer used Vandersteen Quatro Wood, GSPre, and GS150)
Will be partnering with Ghent Mono and Magnepan MG 3.6r.
Thanks
CJ ET2 - Too Noisy even after return to CJ
Allnic L1500 - Too dark, blunted leading edges
First Sound MKII - Terrible ergonomics, Gain too course, but otherwise great sound...pretty close to ideal
Reference Line 1A - Not enough gain, tends to be too forward
But it was the sound of the AR that approaches the type of balanced sound I'm searching for. (Dealer used Vandersteen Quatro Wood, GSPre, and GS150)
Will be partnering with Ghent Mono and Magnepan MG 3.6r.
Thanks