Sotaphile: Even after your own observations with the Cary indicated that something did not sound "right" for you, you still went ahead and bought the unit because of everything you heard about it and a silly magazine review? Did you at least take it home and try it out in your system for a few days?
BAT VK-51 SE or McIntosh C200?
I am in the process of upgrading my system, one piece at a time, and am starting with the preamp. I think I've narrowed it down to these two preamps. Anyone have any advice? I listened to both the BAT 31SE and the Mac C2200 in my system, and preferred the MAC for its better high-level extension. I am currently using a Bryston 4B ST amp driving Dynaudio Confidence 5's. Thanks all!