I have had a set of M1 Monos in my system for a week, and they are superb. A soild step up over the McCormack DNA-125 revision Gold that has been in my system, which is no slouch itself. I am extremely pleased with them.
2 preamps I have tried so far: the Dehavilland Ultraverve 2 with Hytron 6SN7 and Sylvania NOS tubes at the other locations. It is quite euphonic yet detailed, and sounds quite dynamic. Very easy to listen to, and a fun combo that is very easy on the ears and musical. The other, my Herron VTSP1a/166, is a better match, though, as it is more neutral, just as musical and easy to listen to, but with a blacker background, picks up details better, and with a wider soundstage.
I would think that a VTSP2 or 3 would be ideal, but you will have to wait a while to see one here. I am also keeping my eyes open for one. As good as the M1/1a/166 combo sounds, I can't imagine how nice the VTSP3 must be. I am going to borrow an LS26 from a friend in the next few days to see how it sounds. It is quite similar to the ARC Ref 2, so I will let you know the result of my findings. Sorry not to be of more help. Judging on the results of my other 2 demos, the M1's have a very neutral yet easy and nearly tubey presentation. I would go with a pre that also goes in that direction.
2 preamps I have tried so far: the Dehavilland Ultraverve 2 with Hytron 6SN7 and Sylvania NOS tubes at the other locations. It is quite euphonic yet detailed, and sounds quite dynamic. Very easy to listen to, and a fun combo that is very easy on the ears and musical. The other, my Herron VTSP1a/166, is a better match, though, as it is more neutral, just as musical and easy to listen to, but with a blacker background, picks up details better, and with a wider soundstage.
I would think that a VTSP2 or 3 would be ideal, but you will have to wait a while to see one here. I am also keeping my eyes open for one. As good as the M1/1a/166 combo sounds, I can't imagine how nice the VTSP3 must be. I am going to borrow an LS26 from a friend in the next few days to see how it sounds. It is quite similar to the ARC Ref 2, so I will let you know the result of my findings. Sorry not to be of more help. Judging on the results of my other 2 demos, the M1's have a very neutral yet easy and nearly tubey presentation. I would go with a pre that also goes in that direction.