2. amps-preamps
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help me decide: VTL 7.5 or ARC Ref 3

Hi, I am currently contemplating these two preamps. My reference is the Einstein The Tube preamp. Both of these sound pretty close to the Einstein. I would greatly appreciate feedback from owners of either preamp (past, present, future). Also, which one is more tubey? I have heard the Ref 3 and it sounds great. I have not heard the VTL 7.5 but have heard incredible things about it.

Thanks in advance.
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Showing 1 response by riwin_h

riwin_h
8 posts
 
I have compared them side by side (with several audiophile friends): 1st/2nd and 3rd (latest) version of ARC Ref 3 , VTL Ref 7.5 (older version) and Cary SLP-05 .

Overall winner is : 3rd version ARC Ref 3 which is much more dynamic , more transparent & detail than older version. (most natural , musical , more "you are there feeling)
2nd : 1st/2nd version ARC Ref 3 with NOS National 6L6 upgrade on power supply section -> most warmth , very pleasant on ears .
3rd : VTL Ref TL 7.5 Series I (most dynamic , a bit forward)
4th : Cary SLP-05 (most transparent & detailed , a bit cold)
5th : 1st version ARC Ref 3 without any tube upgrade ( original comes with 6L6 tube as stated on tube positioning sheet)
6th : 2nd version ARC Ref 3 w/o any tube upgrade : 6550C tube on power supply but tube positioning sheet state as 6L6 ( sounds worst , congested , very weak on low frequency , confused) .

Also in my experience : I couldn't find any after market power cord suits ARC Ref 3 better than original one.
Power cord tested : Nordost Valhalla , Transparent Powerlink MM & Kimber Palladian PK-10 .

It was test on system : Musical Fidelity KW SACD , Cary CAD-211M Anniversary , Vienna Acoustics Mahler .

Opinions may vary on different system .

Cheers..
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