I'm currently using an L-1 line stage from Audible Illusions with a VT100 II with Straightwire Maestro interconnects and am getting very nice sound. But I have to admit that the ARC amp and pre-amp combos sound great at my dealer. But I think all I've heard it with is the Ref. II ($10,000) or LS-25 ($5,000). You can get a used L-1 for about 800 clams or about 1,700 new.
Preamp Recommendations for VT100m2.
Hi All, I have heard that to truly get the best out of Audio Research amps you must use their preamps too. Currently I run a VT100m2 either directly from an XA7ES CD player or via a passive Adcom GFP-750. The sound quality is very close. Has anyone had any experience mixing and matching AR amps with AR preamps verses other preamps ? I only use CD's.