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ARC LS26 vs Ref 2 Mk 2

Hi all,

I am considering buying a tube preamp to replace my Krell KRC-HR. I tried out my friend's ARC LS5, and while impressed by it's dimensionality and inner detail, I found it to be a bit hazy compared to the Krell's inky black background.

I am considering either a brand new ARC LS26 or a used ARC Ref 2 Mk 2 for the same price. Home audition of the Ref 2 is not possible.

Could anyone with experience of both please share their opinions? Musicality is my number one priority.

Thanks in advance
Mick
mickey_sg

Showing 2 responses by mickey_sg

mickey_sg's avatar
mickey_sg OP
21 posts
 
Gentlemen,

Thank you for your responses. I guess the most sensible option is the LS26 seeing as I can probably get a home audition when I'm ready to plonk down the cash.

Oneobgyn, I have just finished reading about your amazing journey, i.e the evolution of your system and the friendships made along the way. I wish I lived in your neck of the woods!

Did you hear the LS26 in your system? In what ways did you feel it bettered the Ref 2?

Also I'm curious as to what are your favourite go-to recordings and what in particular do you listen for in them

Thanks again to all of you
Kind Regards
Mick
mickey_sg's avatar
mickey_sg OP
21 posts
 
Hi Mclsound,

Thanks to you, and to everyone who replied, for your input.
I ended up buying the LS26 about six weeks ago, and it is just fantastic. Absolutely a whole new level up from my old pre, the KRC-HR, in every possible way.

Given how how much better the ARC seems to be than the Krell, I'm very tempted now to explore the possibility of replacing my Krell power amp (FPB300) with a tube power amp. An obvious contender would be the ARC Ref110, but I might go with an older used ARC like the VT150, as that would save me some hard earned cash.

Cheers
Mick
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