Huang Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Not wanting to step on the other thread running, I too am thinking about a preamp change. Currently I have the ARC SP-11, which sounds sooooo good when it is warmed up fully. The down sides are two, It needs warm up, sometimes up to an hour to achieve full awesomeness, and it does not have a remote (which is me inclined to be lazy when consuming brown liquid). There is an Audio Research Reference 3 available at a good price point, but having never heard an Audio Research Reference 3 I don't know if it is more of a lateral move, or if time and technology has brought improvements. There are other manufactures out there, but ARC & Vandersteen seems to hit my goose bump place. If anyone having heard both has some guidance I would be appreciative. Another path would be to wait and get a Audio Research Reference 6SE down the road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 I'd wait for Mr. V's preamp, but if you want it now, then an Ayre KX-R would be my pick. The Twenty version would be even better. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 hi Rick. I have directly compared an SP-15 with a REF5se with 7 mk2 which are VERY revealing to upstream components. i too would advise waiting on the upcoming Vandy preamp. the ref series ARC preamps have tge magic caps and Rcore power supply, big game changers. i don’t know but suspect, RV will shoot for a preamp that deliver sonics to match or better the Ref6se. i believe the long gestation period due to getting it very right, gathering some key dealer inputs and the bedeviled supply chain havoc…. argh. I have a verbal order in for one for condo system. Having said that, a well cared for ARC ref series pre purchased right will provide relatively good store of value….in future trade or sale. I love having a remote…or 4….. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Preamp remotes were something of a surprise for me, after 20+ years away from audio. Now, I couldn't live without one. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 9 hours ago, Huang said: Another path would be to wait and get a Audio Research Reference 6SE down the road Myself… I would want to try and get a listen somewhere. (But I did get my used (w/ remote) preamp without a listen. The (SoCal) local dealer would not even fire up the newer model, so it was a bit of just jump or not jump. But ARC is more common to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huang Posted August 10, 2022 Author Share Posted August 10, 2022 I forgot Richard was coming out with a pre. That does change the calculus... hmmmm. I know Bruce will get one so I could hear it first. Thanks guys! Love this forum. I hope it has a remote..LOL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Edwards Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 23 hours ago, Huang said: and it does not have a remote (which is me inclined to be lazy when consuming brown liquid). Rick, I sold my ARC SP-9 Mk II for a used SP-17 just for the remote. Laziness may fit into the equation, but for me, the decision was two-fold. I went from a 30 step volume attenuator to a 103 step; and, the ability to adjust the volume from my listening position (kinda important, yeah?) versus standing between my speakers. I've also found ARC preamps to shine with Vandersteen speakers; BUT, if Richard's upcoming preamp is in your territory cabbage wise, I'm confident it will include a remote and that it would probably be the last one you'll ever want. Play on 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 I have been waiting for the Vandy pre for a bit. Not even going to get a new or used pre to fill in lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huang Posted August 10, 2022 Author Share Posted August 10, 2022 1 hour ago, Steve Edwards said: Rick, I sold my ARC SP-9 Mk II for a used SP-17 just for the remote. Laziness may fit into the equation, but for me, the decision was two-fold. I went from a 30 step volume attenuator to a 103 step; and, the ability to adjust the volume from my listening position (kinda important, yeah?) versus standing between my speakers. I've also found ARC preamps to shine with Vandersteen speakers; BUT, if Richard's upcoming preamp is in your territory cabbage wise, I'm confident it will include a remote and that it would probably be the last one you'll ever want. Play on The Vandy pre I'm certain will be a great option, I literally had forgotten it was in the works. The volume adjustment and inability to mute while listening the the TT are my main reasons for wanting a remote. The DAC has a remote with volume control & mute. You are correct cabbage plays into the equation, but I do have to say Richard does make sure you get value for what you spend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 I can’t wait to see any wrinkles he installs. Just like his amps, he makes specialty electronics that others aren’t making. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 3 hours ago, Huang said: but I do have to say Richard does make sure you get value for what you spend I think it is one of the reasons I find this brand to be so exceptional. That the Model 2 speaker is still available shows that the initial design was sound enough to last for 40+ years. Buying the M5 amp is only limited by my budget, which is somewhat limited this year. But, God as my witness, I'll never power my Treo's with any other amp (once I can find a used pair). {Cue up the dramatic music and pan out to show me under a picturesque tree with a withered half eaten carrot in my hand}.☺️ bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 i have seen the drawing for the remote….extraordinary capabilities…. Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 19 minutes ago, TomicTime said: i have seen the drawing for the remote….extraordinary capabilities…. Jim Have been told lol. Literally one of a kind I’m sure. Like nothing else. Bob, save for the pre. Your amps will be fine with it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 1 hour ago, ctsooner said: Bob, save for the pre. Your amps will be fine with it. Will do... B 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazarus Short Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 I have powered my 2C speakers for quite a while with a Proton AA-1150 amp. The right preamp took some time to settle on. I used a Luxman A-007 integrated a lot, as it has a preout and a remote. I just love a remote volume control! I have no complaints about the Luxman. For a while I used a Marantz AV600 tuner/pre. It had outputs for six channels and never seemed quite right for two-channel. Back to the Luxman. About a year and a half ago, I fried the outputs of my Cyrus 2 amp, and felt bad because it was a good sounding amp, especially since I had recapped the preamp section with really good caps. One day I had the idea to turn it into a preamp. Some DIY got a pair of cables soldered to the downstream side of the volume pot - also I cleaned the source selector with deoxit...and it worked! Now the Cyrus 2, as some of you probably know, is British minimalism at its best: gain and source selection are the ONLY features. I put it in my main system with a Musical Fidelity X-10v3 between the pre and power amps. Aside from losing the remote gain, it's VERY nice...a keeper, I think. The tube buffer really does seem to integrate pre and power amps in a way I can hear but not explain. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted September 4, 2022 Share Posted September 4, 2022 On 8/11/2022 at 4:58 AM, GdnrBob said: ... {Cue up the dramatic music and pan out to show me under a picturesque tree with a withered half eaten carrot in my hand}.☺️ bob I’ll keep searching for the tree and the music. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted September 5, 2022 Share Posted September 5, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Holmz said: I’ll keep searching for the tree and the music. Dang it, it seems I wasn't under the tree. But, I am sure I wouldn't buy different amp!☺️ Now, intermission... Edited September 5, 2022 by GdnrBob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted September 5, 2022 Share Posted September 5, 2022 Between you channeling Bugs, and @Moose and squirrel, we have two of the good cartoons covered. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 My dog's name is Moose, and my cat is Squirrel! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 Moose looks like a good boy. My dog would be going nuts chasing Squirrel.😝 Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted October 8, 2022 Share Posted October 8, 2022 Two boy Yorkie’s here. Our sixth ones. Love/hate relationships. Ha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted October 11, 2022 Share Posted October 11, 2022 At the seminar recently in Tacoma Richard formally announced the forthcoming preamp… called Audio Control Center. He spoke at some length about the innovative circuit used in the M5 and M7 being even MORE effective in a preamp. ( my emphasis ). The ACC also has a perfect no sonic impact defeat mode to take tone controls and other record fixing effects out IF the purist so desires… Let’s face it… many records could use as Mick sang “ Mother’s little helper “…. ha. i have one on order….in black…. Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDad Posted October 11, 2022 Share Posted October 11, 2022 On 10/3/2022 at 5:01 PM, Moose said: My dog's name is Moose, and my cat is Squirrel! We have a variation. One dog is Holly J. Dog and the other is Zak J. Dog. Neither especially like listening to music, although one does like my wife singing to him when there's a thunderstorm passing. (She's a trained professional - I would NEVER consider doing that myself.) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted October 11, 2022 Share Posted October 11, 2022 18 hours ago, TomicTime said: i have one on order….in black…. Can I inquire what the price is? PM me if it isn't supposed to be disclosed, yet. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted October 12, 2022 Share Posted October 12, 2022 3 hours ago, GdnrBob said: Can I inquire what the price is? PM me if it isn't supposed to be disclosed, yet. Bob A lot…less than a REF6se….. i don’t think firm pricing is available just quite yet….. A PM to RV or Brad might be good for ballpark… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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