Preamp with balanced out, HT bypass, remote for AR monoblocks
Greetings, been having trouble landing which way I'd like to upgrade my preamp. Currently it's a Belles 22a. Just picked up some AR VTM200 monoblocks which need balanced inputs, which the Belles does not have. So what better time to upgrade? I need a remote, HT bypass, and balanced at the very least.
Initially I thought an AR LS27 or a Reference 3 may be the way to go. Then I started thinking maybe I could get something that has a better DAC than I have (schiit bifrost multibit) built in or maybe a better phono stage than I currently have (musical surroundings phonomena 2), maybe I can upgrade a few things at once. Or get into something that has an even better upgrade path. I've been looking at McIntosh, Ayre, and AR mainly, but am open to other ideas.
Speakers are Polk LSIM 707s, currently a Vincent or McCormack amp, for sources I've got the TT, SACD player, blue sound Node 2i.
Budget is around 4k, the less the better haha
Thanks for the feedback/suggestions. Apologies if I've missed some necessary info, just lmk if anything else helps to narrow things down.
Wish I had the space and dollars for a HT only system haha.
The McIntosh are very tempting, especially ones that have a DAC and phono. I'd love to be able to audition them but unfortunately that can't happen. There is something about using an AR pre with a AR amp as far as synergy goes that is appealing. But the added features of the MC is awfully appealing.
Thanks for the info thus far!
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HT bypass can be tough. I just went through this. Ended up with an Ayon. A lot of audiophiles and manufacturers look down their nose at this. You should have a separate theatre room. 😏 Here is a list of amps/preamps with HT bypass. Note it isn’t always called HT bypass. Pre in or "Direct" is the same thing. You just want it to bypass the gain function in the preamp. http://audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input Scroll down for list of preamps.
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