Another suggestion. Bat vk30, it can be found under 1700-1800 with remote, maybe phono. Balanced with unity gain for ht and great customer service. I have heard a few ARC pre's but don't know models. I agree with bigkidz in that they are very detailed but not on the warm side, they have been around forever and service should not be a problem. Can't comment on CJ or SF.
Need help with tube linestage-SF vs ARC vs Others
I am considering purchase of a tubed linestage to add a little body/bloom to the midrange of my all SS rig for popular, blues and rock (not metal). System is Muse 10/Muse 3 Sig/McCormack DNA500/Alon Circe. I don't want to totally give up bass definition/extension or HF extension, would strongly prefer balanced, and would like SS pass through for HT. Unfortunately the Aesthetix Calypso is currently above my budget (around $2000). Other continders are:
SF Line 3 - could always add SE upgrade later, but in stock form is it too dry/sterile, and not much different from my SS pre?
ARC LS16 MkII - How good is this unit?
ARC LS5 MkII or III - supposedly quite good, but I don't believe it has a remote or HT pass through, does it?
Line 2 SE - How good is this?
CJ 17LS or 14LS - not balanced, and possibly not very extended at the extremes.
Any others??? Thanks for the help.
SF Line 3 - could always add SE upgrade later, but in stock form is it too dry/sterile, and not much different from my SS pre?
ARC LS16 MkII - How good is this unit?
ARC LS5 MkII or III - supposedly quite good, but I don't believe it has a remote or HT pass through, does it?
Line 2 SE - How good is this?
CJ 17LS or 14LS - not balanced, and possibly not very extended at the extremes.
Any others??? Thanks for the help.