ARC LS26 vs BAT VK-31se preamps

Can anyone tell me which preamp is prefered.Thanks

rave101ny02-20-2009 12:47am

dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,742 posts 02-20-2009 at 02:35am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Yikes! What an endorsement for ARC! Being a BAT fan and former owner (VK-300SE) and former ARC owner (LS-1, LS-9, VT-100, VT-100 Mk-III) methinks thy doth endorseth too much! While I've never heard the LS-26, I have heard the Ref-3 (T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas). I don't believe the gulf is that wide... My personal pref is for BAT -incredibly good.
dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,742 posts 02-21-2009 at 01:44am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Theo: I would start with the VK-31SE. The VK-300SE was so satisfying, so "right", that I would have to hear something better to believe "better" is possible. That said, the internals of the VK-31SE are double that of the VK-300SE (two transformers, four 6H30 supertubers and gobs more capacitors). Coming from Vicktor K., this almost certaily means the sound is that much better. I HAVE heard an ARC system that was more "magical" than my BAT system so I'm not saying ARC is lesser. I was just a little shocked by Mofimadnesses response. Both manufacturers are certified high-end blue-bloods.