Hi Gmele Glad to hear about system. I recently went the ARC route, but instead of a new pre I went backwards in terms of age. I had a Anthem pre2L and it was alright but I traded it in on a LS7 and WOW. Everything the Anthem was not. It mated well with my Anthem Amp1 which to me is a sleeper. I believe even with dated ARC gear they are a statement of what highend is all about.
Audio Research Convert...
I never thought I would do this but I've recently sold my Ayre V3 for an Audio Research 100.2, I have two words to say about it. Dynamic and Smooth! The 100.2 has all the qualitys of the Ayre, but even better resolution on the top and the bottom, and so smooth. There is just such a sence of ease with this amp. I believe part of this is that it is also a better match for my Audible Illusions M3A. This amp is a real sleeper and it really takes charge of my Maggies. If anyone else out there has this amp I would love to here the contents of your systems.