2. amps-preamps
  3. 128480-90127

Looking to upgrade my preamp, suggestions?

Decided it is time to try out a newer preamp, have upgraded everything else over last couple of months bar this so...
Present pre is an ARC LS2 with gold lion tube and herbies tube damper.
Rest is Esoteric sa-50, bat vk600se and b&w 804d.
Listen exclusively to rock music, old and new
Important to myself, solid bass, vocals and soundstage, a remote might be nice too...lol
Thinking along the lines so far of bat vk32se, a newer ARC like ls17 or 27. Yes all tubes
Suggestions along solid state lines please?
budget is about 3500 max
Prefer to hear from actual owners of preamps suggested for your actual experiences
thank you all in advance 
128x128uberwaltz
miketuason
333 posts
 
Kind of pricy but I'm very satisfied with my McIntosh C2300 tube pre.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,272 posts
 

A little over your budget, but I bought a new Rogue RP5 tube preamp for 3500.00 in October 2016.  I like it very much and it gels perfectly with my system.

ilikemiles's avatar
ilikemiles
47 posts
 
I'm kinda lovin my ARC Ref 5 SE - got it here on the 'gon. About twice your budget used, but if you're willing to save up, well worth it. VERY transparent, great bass, incredible detail, etc, etc.

milby1's avatar
milby1
24 posts
 
I have had the pre close to two years,have the audionet amp running with it,match made in heaven with the combo. Also have a anthem p2 that I have used with it and was quite impressed with that also. If the one on here sells 4 what its going for, someone getting a heck of a deal.





david12
1,454 posts
 
 I agree with Lalitk, the Modright 36.5 is very hard to beat and IMHO, better than an ARC pre at the same price point. I compared my 36.5 with the more expensive ARC Ref 3 and clearly preferred the Modright
More to discover