I agree that many respondents seem hung up on balanced connections,but I would also think that it would be better to go for a manufacturer which is all single ended. The main one of course is Conrad Johnson, I use the Premier 17 which is not cheap of course, but have used the PV range which are all good and quite cheap on Audiogon. I prefer CJ to ARC anyway, but what do I know. Balanced is only really important in long cable runs and in many instances SE can be better, although it seems to me the difference is marginal.
Preamp/ Amp matching
I need some advice on matching a preamplifier to my existing tube amp. The amp is an Audio Research D250 with single ended inputs only. I am concerned that a more modern preamp would be a waste because of the balanced circuitry involved as opposed to a preamp built around the same time as the amp which only has SE outputs. Budget at this time is of MAJOR importance and leaves me with few choices as I would also like a remote. I am currently looking at the following models.
ARC LS-9
VTL 2.5
ARC SP9MKIII
Quicksilver
Suggestions?
ARC LS-9
VTL 2.5
ARC SP9MKIII
Quicksilver
Suggestions?