BAT VK-51SE vs Audio Research REF3


Hello! Sorry for my bad english.
I need help to choice the preamplifier:
BAT VK-51SE vs Audio Research REF3.
What is better?
I need the sound speed, punch, driving, attack, dynamical, large and deep soundstage, transparency, lightness and naturalness.
I listen baroque classics (XVI-XVIII century), opera and some hard rock/metal. Speakers is SF Amati with Manley 250 monos.

I read opinion that ARC Ref3 is very good, but reduces speed and a rhythm on dynamic music, not for rock, and there are preamps better than it. It's true?
the_crow
I need the sound speed, punch, driving, attack, dynamical, large and deep soundstage, transparency, lightness and naturalness.

I have owned both of those fine preamps at one time. The problem is that they both have something different to offer. The ARC Ref 3 will give you the speed, attack, transparency and lightness that you are looking for. The BAT VK-51SE will give you the punch, drive, dynamics that you seek. They both throw a large and deep soundstage and could be called 'natural' sounding.
Only you can decide which direction you want to go in.
I have not heard the LS26 in a system that I am familiar with, so I cannot pass judgement on it.