Which preamp? Audible Illusions Rogue Audio ARC

It should be mentioned that the different tube preamps will have different flavors. The ARC being quite accurate with what I consider the perfect amount of tube sound, which is slight. You can go from there. There are some that will make the details less prevailant and the bass softer. These can have very lush and enticing mids though. If this is your first tube gear you may want to stay away from the shock of the very tubey pre's of which the ARC is not. I agree with the above poster that an ARC LS 15 would be a good fit. You're going to wish you'd tried one sooner, you'll hear why.

Thanks for the tips and info. ARC LS 15 seems to be quite popular in the used equipment market.
BTW, has anyone compared between LS15 to LS16?, or even the older LS2 preamp? I am justifying if it is worth considering the LS16 if I stretch my budget further..

Any comment would help.
Thanks!

Well, don't mean to sound like a broken record, but since you own a McCormack amp, I'd consider getting an Audible Illusions unit (M3A if you have phono, L-1 otherwise). Mates very well.

i just picked up a PSE HL-1 ( hybrid unit).

it is really, really nice. i would reccomend it if you can find one. it has a remote and is very well built.

also, i would really consider a arc ls2b mk2 over the 15. it is very, very dynamic and the bass is outstanding and only requires 1 tube (tube rolling can be $$$)

also, the BAT 3vki is a GREAT unit and great customer support.

if i wouldnthave found the pse i would have went with the bat or the arc ls-2bmkii with remote.

mike

I have the L-1 and it mates very well with my McCormack DNA-125.

One thing you need to be aware of is that the McCormack amps are a little bit sensitive. Not a problem, they just are. So don't yell at them! Seriously, you want to look at pre's with lower gain or those that have gain controls like the L-1. (FYI - your front end output also figures into the mix, I think 2 volts output is considered average??)The Blue Circle mentioned above I think has 28db of gain, way too much for your amp. Not sure about the Rogue or Audio Research. FYI - The L-1 has alot of gain but since it has left and right gain controls it is not a problem.

I currently have an Eastern Electric Mini Max for demo (great pre!)and it has 20db of gain. I cannot go past 9:00 with the volume control. It does have a smooth volume control and not steps which helps so this is something else to look for. If looking at a pre with a stepped volume control, the more steps the better as it gives more "volume settings" than lesser steps.

Passives are also pre's to look at. Usually more detail, transparency and tonal accuracy but many say at the expense of dynamics and musicalness (word?). I had a passive but like you wanted tubes as I wanted the fullness and bloom of tubes. The passive sounded flat to me even though it was more transparent and detailed with better separation.

There are alot of good pre choices for matching with your amp. Relax and enjoy your search.

Regards,