2. amps-preamps
  3. 1147537634

Tube Pre-amp for Levinson 432

I have a Wadia 830, Levinson 432, and Wilson Sophia 2's. I would really like to add the a tube pre to the Levinson-Wadia combo. I have demoed the Audio Research Ref3 and the sound was magical but the price was a bit much. Suggestions for what would provide system synergy would be appreciated.
jetusmc
jetusmc OP
7 posts
 
I am auditioning a Mcintosh C-2200 with my Levinson 432 and am somewhat pleased with the sound. I wonder what changes I could expect if I substituted a Bat31se. The Mcintosh has stock tubes and the speakers are Wilson Sophia 2's. Auditioning the Bat would be difficult-no local dealers.
biomimetic
252 posts
 
You know, hyper-detail is not necessarily synergy.
4425
861 posts
 
I think that were you to try a 326s you would give up the tube idea. I just replaced a Ref 3 with the 326s and I can't think of one thing that the Ref 3 does better. The 326s is amazing and totally unexpected by me. Also you can see the value in the ML pre whereas the ARC seems grossly overpriced. Just my opinion but I've owned a lot of gear including lately the CJ ART and ACT 2. The 326s will be around a while in my system.
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