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ARC LS26 performance for $2500-3000?

Greetings,

I have been auditioning an ARC LS26 for the past few days. It is a very nice! A lot more detailed than my Dehavilland Ultraverve, and more crisp, with air under the instruments. I am quite impressed. The things I enjoy about this pre are the detail, presentation (quite neutral), nice soundstage, and the general very musical presentation without being overly tubey. It seems to build on what the Dehavilland does, but only does it quite a bit better. I am hearing background instruments with more clarity than ever before: it is as if somebody washed my window after a big dust storm.

Unfortunately, I have budget issues (they didn't have the LS17 available for demo, and the LS26 is quite a bit more than I was looking to spend). Is there anything available for $2000-$2500 (max $3k) used or new that can match the LS26? If not, I guess I should start saving! My other preferred option would be a Herron VTSP-3, but that is even more $. I tend to prefer tube preamps, and SS amps. I have auditioned the Dehavilland (very nice with a Tung-sol Black Glass, but nowhere as detailed as the LS26, very easy to listen to and a great deal), a Classe CP-700 (smooth, easygoing, nice control, but a little flat) an Eastern Electric MInimax (nice tube pre, but definitely a price-point item, with a smaller soundstage but otherwise similar presentation to the Dehavilland).

Here are some that may have come up as options:

Lamm LL2 Deluxe
Joule Electra LA-100
Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE (one just went for $2450)
Dodd Battery Pre
Pass X1

These all fall within my price range. I am sure there are many others. Amp choice is currently the McCormack DNA-225, to be upgraded by SMC in the future. With this combo, everything seems to sound good, it is just that the LS26 was way ahead of the others in terms of clarity, soundstage, and detail. I would rather save for the LS26 than save a few $ at this point in time and get something inferior, but if I could get something similar at $2500, I would be even happier!
komaki
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
One you may want to keep an eye out for is an Aesthetix Calypso. Sonically somewhat similar to the ARC LS-26, not quite as quiet as the ARC, but detailed, extended, musical and similar soundstaging. You should be able to grab a used one for around $2500.

Cheers,
John
komaki OP
7 posts
 
Hi John,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I have seen the Calypso has mismatch issues with the McCormack amps, due to imput/output impedance. If that wasn't the case, it would definitely be on the list!
raquel
841 posts
 
If it is sound quality you seek and not gadgetry, and as it appears that used units are also on your list, a used LS-5 Mk. III is probably the equal of the LS-26 - some people prefer it to the Ref. 3.

The Sonic Frontiers is a very good unit and can be hotrodded and/or serviced by PartsConnexion, the company of SF founder Chris Johnson.

The Pass will be very quiet and will not have any of the impedance issues that the tube pres have.

The Rowland Synergy IIi should be on your list. Very quiet, resolving and musical, and like the Pass, solid-state - it has a 50 Ohm output impedance and can drive even professional equipment.

The VAC Renaissance Mk. I (not the very expensive "Signature" or "Signature Mk. II") is another pre to add to your list. It uses output transformers and thus can drive any amp or any interconnect. It features a triode circuit, is point-to-point wired, and has high parts quality - it's a great preamp.
eee3
214 posts
 
Start saving. Unfortunately, you have heard the 26 and that sound is in your ear and mind. You will not be satisfied with anything else. At your price point there's nothing else you'll find that's going to match the 26 IMHO
I'm in a similar position, I have the LS-25mkII a very good preamp!!but can't afford at this time to move to the 26.
The 25 will get you close(with a good pr.of nos 6h30's)and its in your price range but its not the 26 and I'm not going to try to tell you it is but it is good enough for me that I don't feel a need to go out and hock my LP collection to get a 26. In due time I will make the move but until then I'm satisfied with the 25mkII
I hope this helps. If you want to know more feel free to e-mail me.
Also, the LS-5 mkIII is an all balanced preamp, so if your source components do not have balanced capabilities it probably won't work for you.
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