I think you should get the preamp you like best and not worry so much with the front-end compatability. The preamp affects the overall sound more on its own terms than the synergy question you raise IMHO. The synergy that is really critical is amp/speaker.
What's most important synergy wise???
I have a VK-D5SE CDP as my source, a VK-20 for preamp and MC501 monoblocks.
I am planning to get a better preamp and am considering both the BAT VK-52SE and the McIntosh c500 tube two-piece combo.
The BAT can be upgraded to the REX, has product line synergy with the CDP and allows me to control both the CDP & volume with just one remote.
The McIntosh has product line synergy with the Monoblocks, but forces me to wield two remotes...
Do you think the synergy between the preamp-amp is more important than that between the source-preamp ...Or... is the synergy between the source-preamp, with all the low level signals, more important???
(Or am I worrying over nothing???)
I am planning to get a better preamp and am considering both the BAT VK-52SE and the McIntosh c500 tube two-piece combo.
The BAT can be upgraded to the REX, has product line synergy with the CDP and allows me to control both the CDP & volume with just one remote.
The McIntosh has product line synergy with the Monoblocks, but forces me to wield two remotes...
Do you think the synergy between the preamp-amp is more important than that between the source-preamp ...Or... is the synergy between the source-preamp, with all the low level signals, more important???
(Or am I worrying over nothing???)