Need advice/info on various used ARC phono preamps


I have a VTL 2.5TL pre-amp with the built in phono stage. It's the first really decent pre-amp, as well as phono stage, I've ever owned. My only gripe, really, with the phono stage of the VTL is that it's extremely noisy. However, I'm also thinking about upgrading the VTL to an ARC preamp like the LS25MKII--in which case I'd need to get a separate phono pre-amp anyway.

Can anyone give me their opinions on the various ARC phono pre-amps that I could realistically expect to find used? So far I've been thinking of a used PH3-SE which is sort of big bucks for me right now, or the PH3. How do those compare, & also would it be worth buying an earlier model for the right price? (The main reason I'm concentrating on ARC is that I have a VT100MkII which I really like--& I'm just on an ARC kick right now).

(Besides this ARC gear, the other choice I have in mind would be a used CAT w/the built in phono stage......)

Rest of my system: Rega P25/Benz Glider, VTL 2.5TL, ARC VT100MKII, Cary 303/200 CDP, B&W M802SIII's alternating with Merlin TSM-M's. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
steveaudio

Showing 1 response by jfrech

You might try lower noise tubes in the phone section of your preamp. If you're sqeezed for cash right now. Also, have you tried the expressimo heavyweight on your rega arm? Ringmat for the platter? Some cheaper ways to really step up the sound.

Sorry, I can't comment on the ARC gear, I'm into BAT. I do think that matching helps, so maybe sticking with the ARC gear can help. Has for me with a different brand.

Good luck...