2. amps-preamps
  3. 139217-365

which Audio Research pre-amp?

I've pretty much narrowed down my next pre-amp purchase to an Audio Research 6 or GSPre.  Ultimately, this will be paired with an Ayre VX-R.  For the sake of marital harmony I need to spread the purchases out over a few years.  
Is the 6 that much better than the GSPre?  I like the idea of having an integrated phone section but I read that the 6 / Ref 2 SE combo. blew away the phono section of the GSPre.  I don't listen to vinyl that much.  My current phono pre-amp is a Pass Aleph Ono.  thanks.
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Showing 3 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,063 posts
 
OP,

Since you already own a phonostage, I would recommend REF6 over GSPre. The analog section of REF6 is far superior than GSPre.


lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,063 posts
 
@lostbears,

“The GSPre is on my too ugly to own list. It just looks like it is upside down”

That’s funny...but I hear you. I felt the same way and end up mating my GS150 with REF6. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,063 posts
 
@stlyde,

Congratulations on your recent purchase. You made a great decision to go with Ref6 over GSPre. My dealer told me that GSPre performance rivals the LS28. The REF6 is a definitive upgrade over GSPre or LS28. I went from LS28 / VT80 combo to REF6 / GS150. 

Once you’re settled with the new combo, I highly recommend to upgrade the stock Sovtek 6550WE Tube to SED 6550C Svetlana -C- / Russia Tube. This upgrade yielded tighter bass and more meat to the bones to overall soundstage. 

To my ears, 6550WE Tube had bass less defined and fat, YMMV. 
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