Aeris direct to amp pretty stunning. I don't want to start an ARC flame but I've been to JRDG's place of business and strongly believe that he puts vastly more of everything into his products than ARC. His build quality is second to none with pride of ownership very high.
That said I am very familiar with his gear and the Corus was not as transparent or exciting as the Aeris direct. What pre would work I can not say. I do think you'd have to try ARC. i'm sure it sounds very good.
My beef was that the Ref 3 that I once owned was basically an empty box. Regardless of sound quality the product was built to a price point without unique craftmanship. i think it not unreasonable to expect superb aesthetics given the price of high end gear. The argument that the box is pedestrian in order to enhance the insides is total BS. Audiophiles deserve both. However just an opinion from a very long term high end guy.
That said I am very familiar with his gear and the Corus was not as transparent or exciting as the Aeris direct. What pre would work I can not say. I do think you'd have to try ARC. i'm sure it sounds very good.
My beef was that the Ref 3 that I once owned was basically an empty box. Regardless of sound quality the product was built to a price point without unique craftmanship. i think it not unreasonable to expect superb aesthetics given the price of high end gear. The argument that the box is pedestrian in order to enhance the insides is total BS. Audiophiles deserve both. However just an opinion from a very long term high end guy.