2. amps-preamps
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ARC LS26 versus Cary SLP-05

I am trying to figure out a preamp for a system that I am putting together. While I know I may have to do some selling and swapping to get the right fit, I am trying to minimize the amount of that I have to do. Here is the system: Magnepan 20.1 (on order), Cary 500MB (500w/ch solid state monoblocks), Cary 306 Professional SACD/CD player, and amp tbd. I have a local ARC dealer (from whom I am buying the Maggies) who can arrange an in house tryout for an ARC LS17 as he has that in stock, but not the 26 which seems like is universally praised. I do like the sound of the LS17 as I heard it being fed by a dcs stack ($50,000!). Anyway, I listen to primarily classical (all sorts) with some jazz thrown in. I have extensive experience in live classical music performance (as a participant) and value sound that is musical, lifelike, not harsh in the highs, and with a realistic soundstage (one of the main attractions of the maggies). Price seems about equal for these two units on the used market. I could buy a Cary, audition an LS17, and sell the Cary if I liked the ARC better, but then I would feel guilty not buying from the ARC dealer and, of course, then the LS26 would be more $$. Anyway, thanks for any thoughts.
luvwine

Showing 2 responses by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 
I do appreciate the ethical stance. I also understand business. Business as it pertains to audio system building and the synergy one seeks in the doing. Dealers too should be aware of that aspect and I believe they are. Doubtless too, NO SALE is disappointing in any event.

Honesty is the key. Try the thing, and be 100% honest up front and thru the demo, with the dealer, the preamps, and yourself. If it's a money matter indeed, you likely already have your answer. meaning you can do one, but maybe not the other... well, it's simpler, huh?

Integrity in business dealings on both behalfs won't take either party far wrong if at all.

An/or if $$$ isn't the main thing here, take the longer route by getting the lesser priced Cary in andd compare the two with the nod going to the actual performance champ. If not the Cary, sell it later.

Not knowing right off which costs what, I'd say something in the Cary line should provide some degree of built in synergy, without giving the matter much thought.

...and there are other preamps that I believe will do well too, although you seem to have settled on these as your now favs.

Good luck.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Given the acclaim here for the LS26. I would ask how many of those proponents for it use it with SS amps, as your intention is to do just that?

I'm sure not ragging here on the mentions, just bringing this up as none have said they pair their 26 with SS + panels.

For myself, the whole deal is a mix with a desired end result. If pure tube sound with speed and resolution are key for you, more so than full remote control functionality, I'd look for a Thor TA 1000 MK II for just over half of that $4K tag, or less, and as some have said, "Never look back". 4 tubes... outboard power supply... and remote vol. outstanding sound, regardless the genre, with SS or tube. Albeit without trying Maggies on the end, I can only speculate there, but it has tons of speed, and harmonic truth.

I found it superior to the Better CJ models, C5, C6, and Cary 05. I've not heard the AR. Functionality is limited. Mark Michelson had one and only traded for a sideways step by going with a VTL 7.5, saying the 7.5 wasn't truly better, just different, and had more remote functionality... source switching, phase, on/off...

Given the 7.5's entry fee and rep, that is saying something.

if truly balanced operation is desired and not psuedo balanced, the BAT vk51SE are super preamps according to the owners I've spoken with privately. it also is fully functioning via remote.

A VAC ren MK II or Jotis preamps could do well for you too. I've seen them in that range before.
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