Looking to upgrade my preamp, suggestions?


Decided it is time to try out a newer preamp, have upgraded everything else over last couple of months bar this so...
Present pre is an ARC LS2 with gold lion tube and herbies tube damper.
Rest is Esoteric sa-50, bat vk600se and b&w 804d.
Listen exclusively to rock music, old and new
Important to myself, solid bass, vocals and soundstage, a remote might be nice too...lol
Thinking along the lines so far of bat vk32se, a newer ARC like ls17 or 27. Yes all tubes
Suggestions along solid state lines please?
budget is about 3500 max
Prefer to hear from actual owners of preamps suggested for your actual experiences
thank you all in advance 
128x128uberwaltz

Showing 2 responses by sbank

Yeah, keeping that big amp of your close to the speakers with short cables and running longer balanced interconnects to the preamp on the side of the room with the source gear is the way to go! Cheers,
Spencer
If you want used, my BAT VK51SE originally sold for $9k, but I see them go for just about your $3500 budget. It would have nice synergy w/your amp. I've considered replacing it a couple of times and just couldn't find anything that suited me more without spending a boatload. The solid metal remote, mono switch, polarity switch, programmable name display, and programmable volume for each input all combine to make it very convenient. I always like to think of myself as someone who won't sacrifice sound quality for convenience, but I must admit these features are useful and nice to have.
If buying new, I strongly suggest checking out Backert Labs preamps. They sound amazing, are a tube roller's dream and offer great value. If I ever make a change, that's the first brand I will consider. Cheers,
Spencer