Sprink, I like your attitude. I owned a B&K 570 S2 which is a bit different that your Ref 5 S2 preamp and also a bit different than the B&K straight amps. This being recognized I found the 507 S2 to be bright (yes, and I don't use that term loosely). I found that listening to a Nora Jone's CD was unlistenable to the point I had planned to write her a letter and tell her how aweful here mastering was done and that she (with her beautiful live voice) should do something about it.
I understand the B&K amps are better by themselves, but I cannot really confirm this.
I have also owned Adcom in the past, two 565 mono blocks that I thought were pretty darn good. I think (at least years ago), that Adcom delivered a lot for their price.
Because this is my history with these two company's I would err on the side of the Adcom (or something else, probably if it were up to me).
Only with certain brands do I believe that the synergy achieved between amp and preamp (Burmeister for example) is absolutely essential, and yes even sometimes a benefit over finding the better of each of the target components.
I do have a positive on B&K, they are a great company with wonderful support.
I understand the B&K amps are better by themselves, but I cannot really confirm this.
I have also owned Adcom in the past, two 565 mono blocks that I thought were pretty darn good. I think (at least years ago), that Adcom delivered a lot for their price.
Because this is my history with these two company's I would err on the side of the Adcom (or something else, probably if it were up to me).
Only with certain brands do I believe that the synergy achieved between amp and preamp (Burmeister for example) is absolutely essential, and yes even sometimes a benefit over finding the better of each of the target components.
I do have a positive on B&K, they are a great company with wonderful support.