2. amps-preamps
  3. 139217-365

which Audio Research pre-amp?

I've pretty much narrowed down my next pre-amp purchase to an Audio Research 6 or GSPre.  Ultimately, this will be paired with an Ayre VX-R.  For the sake of marital harmony I need to spread the purchases out over a few years.  
Is the 6 that much better than the GSPre?  I like the idea of having an integrated phone section but I read that the 6 / Ref 2 SE combo. blew away the phono section of the GSPre.  I don't listen to vinyl that much.  My current phono pre-amp is a Pass Aleph Ono.  thanks.
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Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,176 posts
 
A reasonable question a-s, the answer being ARC pre-amps have a certain cache' amongst audiophiles. My question is, why doesn't the op audition both the ARC pre's he is interested in at an ARC dealer? Doesn't trust his own judgment, but "knows" that ARC pre's are "the best"?


I can't understand the cache'! There are better preamps out there for less money. But your point is well taken.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,176 posts
 
?? Why does it have to be ARC? Is that the only preamp that will allow marital harmony?
The Ayre has a balanced input, so a balanced tube preamp seems to be what you are after. FWIW, the ARC preamps while balanced, don't actually support the balanced standard. So if you go with one of them, you'll have to be careful to audition the interconnect cable too, to get the best results. OTOH, if the preamp supports the balanced standard, then the interconnect cable won't be an issue (and you'll be able to run it longer distances, which might be helpful if you want to keep it out of sight).
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