Any Comparisons between VTL 7.5 & ARC Ref 3

Elberoth, I was trying to give a counter view to the HI-FI Critic mag, which you said you strongly recommended. I live in the UK and would not pay the price they are asking for this mag, whose only justification is because 'it has no adverts'.
I used to subscribe to HiFi+ and gave that up when it became just full of RG's reviews and I came to the realisation that one guy cannot review everything thoroughly. I have been reading hi-fi mags since the '70's and have took note of what many reviewers including MC have to say, when selecting equipment to audition - after all they hear a lot more equipment than you or I.
I have read some sharp critism of equipment by JA, etc, so they do give some bad reviews. The only subscription I have at the present is with Stereophile because I find it good value for the cover price but their recorded music reviews are few generally and poor.
Good point about CJ stuff being SE, one of the reasons I rejected it from my system.

I just bought the newest BAT preamp VK 52se and could not be happier. I am using it with a new Krell EVO 402 amp and it is dead quiet. I could write all day about the imaging, dynamics, detail, etc. but in truth the thing just makes all the music sound more like music. It ain't the prettiest thing but it sure sounds gorgeous. My previous pre was the Pass x-1 and this is a wonderful upgrade.

I just ran the VTL 7.5 mkII into & out of my Nordost Thor. The difference is subtle very very subtle. I can keep driving myself crazy or just listen to music. Contrary to Billbench's experiences with the MkI, the MkII does benefit a tiny bit from the Thor in my system. I find power conditioners to be very system dependant. Maybe even more about where you live and your power supply. Once again the difference is tiny. I find the treble to be a little cleaner sounding when using the Thor. A slight increase in body. In that same comparison, I find the the Preamp is a little more laid back with the Thor. More immediate without. Less body and less relaxed without. Or in a different way, more dynamic without. But this is really spliting hairs. In a blind test it would be hard to hear. I am using an Elrod Power cord in this comparison.

Dgad,
Are you using the stock VTL power cord or an aftermarket PC?
My 7.5 vs 1 sounds abit more open when plugged into the wall rather than my AdeptResponse PC. I have good clean power but need to protect against lightning surges, so play it both ways.
Have thought about the upgrade to vs 2, but the 3k price is difficult to swallow for what seems to be a nice but not dramatic improvement. Is the gain lowered on the new version?
I am using the 12au7 tubes VTL sent to me because of lower gain requirement using my Sim Audio W6 monoblocks. Gain is still too high, but much more acceptable and very low tube hiss now.
I thought about rolling tubes, but the no warranty threat in the manual gives me pause.
Your system is impressive. Would be curious to know what interconnects you are using on phono and digital inputs.

Sabertouch. Not using special interconnects. The upgrade is much more extended in the highs. The 12AU7 is soft sounding in the 1st version. The bias is too low. You need to use the 12AX7 to get good dynamics & extension in bass. Also, the 2nd version is much lower in gain. It is a nice improvement if you have the gain problems.

The improvement in sound using Telefunkens is dramatic. The Eh tubes are garbage in my opinion. I am not one for criticism in harsh terms but really junk. They go bad fast if you apply any bias to them. They also, sound HIFI and not natural at all. It would make anyone second guess the preamp. You won't notice it running in your preamp as your sound is already soft. But too soft in my opinion.

I am using an Elrod power cord.