I have a VTL 5.5 that is absolutely wonderful and seems to meet your qualifications like it was made for them. Bass could be fuller in my system but is it the room, do i need more amp? you know the drill there. Very open sounding preamp and in combo with VTL monos it is the least tuby tube set up i've heard next to ARC while still having the body and killer mids that tubes are known for..i.e. warm but not mushy. i've seen more than a few of them here for around $2k. I've had mine for about 4 yrs now. No problems and it still has original tubes in it.
Preamps: Rogue v. VTL v. Blue Circle
OK, I am a bit of all over the map in terms of price, but I am looking for best value, not necessarily within a specific budget. WOuld like to be under $2K though. Buying used.
My candidates are:
Rogue 66 and 99 Magnums
VTL 2.5 and 5.5 (someone told me the VTLs have reliability issues. True?)
Blue Circle 21.1
No phono required. Where would you cast your votes in terms of value? I like a transparent enough, but not too revealing preamp, slight tubey character but not too much, and large soundstage depth and width. Good extension on both ends also a factor.
Help?
My candidates are:
Rogue 66 and 99 Magnums
VTL 2.5 and 5.5 (someone told me the VTLs have reliability issues. True?)
Blue Circle 21.1
No phono required. Where would you cast your votes in terms of value? I like a transparent enough, but not too revealing preamp, slight tubey character but not too much, and large soundstage depth and width. Good extension on both ends also a factor.
Help?