Balanced Pre for Bi Amping Recommendations Please

One thing to keep in mind: just because a unit has XLR outputs does not mean that the product itself is truly balanced.

If you need two sets of truly balanced outputs, the BAT 3 or VK3 series will not work as they only have one set of balanced outputs. The VK5 series has two sets and does fit into your price range. "Transparency" and "neutrality" are of course subjective in comparison to another product. The BAT line stages have incredible dynamics and bass but tend to be a wee bit soft on the top.

Another product in your price range is the ARC LS5. Like the VK5 series, the LS5 is a truly balanced product and it also has two sets of balanced outputs. The LS5 does not have the low-end extension but it does have a little more presence on the top.

Both the models above have NO single-ended inputs or outputs. And they are from the 1994-1997 time frame.
Do a search here for these two models to get an idea on the pros/cons of each.

John

Perhaps you already know, but if you are thinking that (for example) bi-amping with 2 amps at 200 wpc is like having 400 wpc, it's not. It doesn't work that way...

Audio Research LS-10 is solid state and it has two sets of balanced outputs. It fits your description for the desired sound and it sells for around $1,800-$2,000 used. They pop up here on the 'Gon periodically. It has been called the best SS offering from AR ever.

I sold mine 5 months ago. I just bought another one last week and I'm awaiting delivery.

Audio Experience makes a balanced pre-amp. It's their top of the line. It has a source selector switch on the front plate and 2 volume knobs, one for each channel, and two sets of outputs. I like mine and price is under a thousand. This pre is FULLY BALANCED, and has single ended inputs as well. Ys Audio, the manufacturer in Hong Kong is a very reputable company, standing behind their merchandise. Their products offer great value for the money, IMHO. See if any other A'goner's have any familiarity with this unit.

Used, the Sonic Frontiers are balanced and SFL2's have dual outputs in XLR. I think the Line2 and Line3 do too. Factor in replacing tubes with NOS.

One of the most versatile preamps is the PS Audio PCA2, which goes for around $700 on the 'gon listings.

The Threshold T2 also had dual XLR's

In the higher end, I can only think of the Pass X0.2 and Ayre K1 that have dual XLR but they're more than your budget.