ARC LS25MKII VS Classe 47.5 Pre-Amp

I have an ARC based two channel setup with LS25II, Ref. phono, and VT200 into Martin Logan Prodigy's. It sounds great to my ears, in fact I have not heard anything I have liked as well anywhere. My A/V system is Classe SSP-75 into Cav-150, it does music pretty well too, but of course cannot touch the ARC front end. I know I am comparing apples and oranges to some extent but IMHO the ARC tube gear simply sounds better in every way.

As for the LS 25II, I auditioned it against Audible Illusions, Sonic Frontiers, and Levinson. I much preferred the ARC's smoothness, lack of grain, and tonal balance to all others. I also like it becouse it is flexible but not overly complicated.

Hi again,

I just responded to your CD-3 thread. I just upgraded to the ARC LS25MKII as well. I have all ARC components after much auditioning and listening with my friends. The LS25/CD-3 combination is so well paired in all respects. I have to believe that all ARC gear provides a consistency of design quality, philosophy, and voicing that is hard achieve with mix and match.

I have the ARC LS25MKII, matched with a Classe CA-300, the combination is excellent, add Vandersteen 3A Sig and 2WQ sub and I have incredible sound. I listen to music and stop thinking about upgrading, what else can I say! The ARC is unlike any other ARC tube pre-amp, upfront soundstage, sweet highs, smooth and detailed mids and deep extended bass. I have heard many good combinations but I prefer the SS amp with thr ARC. Audition the ARC LS25MII, it will reward you many time over. Good luck and enjoy...