If you had to make this decision....


I'm looking for some advice on preamps for my system. Aside from sounding great, a remote and HT loop/direct would be useful. I've heard the BAT50SE, CJ16LS, Melos 333 and Levinson 38S. None of these jumped out as clearly better. My system is Levinson 31 -> Audio Logic DAC -> Meridian 568 -> VTL MB750 -> Magnepan 3.6R. Any suggestions on what else to try?
delancey
Not sure what/why this need for a processor loop. Just use an ic from "fronts"-out on the processor,to another input on said pre. When doing ht,change inputs on the pre,to that input,do the "test" thing,see where the volume needs to be.It stays at that level for HT.Just so you don't rule out a pre baised on "no loop".
I like the buffered version of the Placette - sounds more like a direct bypass than any other preamp I have tried. But being a good Kiwi, I have to point out that the new Plinius linestage preamp sounds great too.
I had Levinson 38 and last fal upgraded it to the 380S. It was an astounding upgrade. If you compare the 38S and the 380S you will find a similar difference.
I would try and find a tube preamp if you can. I had the 1.6's, and they greatly favored tubes to solid state - at least with an amp. I know the ref 2 has a processor loop. I've heard the vk30SE and thought it was awesome.
hi redkiwi, ain't that plinius a s/s unit? - i thought ewe were a toob-guy. any thoughts how the plinius pre's compare w/good toob pre's?

regards, doug