McIntosh C1000 tube pre vs. ARC Ref 3?

Has anybody heard these against each other? Both are very well received by the audio press.

gpgr4blu01-06-2007 3:42am

adaptdabull Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6 posts 05-08-2007 at 03:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Are there any reasonable responses to the question of ARC REF 3 VS. McIntosh c1000? Has anyone A/B'd these two GREAT preamps? I've heard both, but at two different places with different speakers, and amps, etc. I'm looking to make a choice between these two preamps myself. I know I can't go wrong with either. I own a pair of Vandersteen 5A loudspeakers, and know the ARC REF 3 is a safe bet for my speakers, its just that I can get a great deal on either of these preamps so its difficult to just write off the McIntosh C1000. When I heard the C1000, the combo was somewhat cleaner and had an unforgettable pureness to the sound that wasn't as LARGE as the ARC Ref 3, but quieter and a bit darker. I'm torn! Please help!
adaptdabull Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6 posts 05-20-2007 at 08:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete No one?
adaptdabull Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6 posts 05-21-2007 at 04:02am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the info Gpgr4blu!