Tube pre amp comparison ARC to VTL


I have a VTL 2.5 pre amp which is a very nice sounding pre, and rather a bargain at its price point. In an attempt to upgrade, I bought an ARC LS25MKII. The ARC is a "better" all around pre amp than the VTL. Should be as it cost much more. The ARC sound bigger, deeper, wider, a little further back. And perhaps quicker and tighter. All these by just a small bit. However the VTL has a very nice "Lushness", a "liquid" midrange that I find most appealing where as the ARC is a bit "dry" or sterile. If I were to move up the ARC line (ie LS26 or up) would I get closer to a blend of both sounds or will I be going in the wrong direction? Other gear is ARC CD3 MKII, ARC VT100MKII, Cardas and Transparent Cables,
Thank you
vdosc

Showing 1 response by elevick

Have you tried different tubes? ARC has tried to keep this pre neutral sounding, not warm. Most ARC pre's I've played with were not overly warm sounding. To me that's a good thing.