2. amps-preamps
  3. 1172602573

Audio Research Cheap as Dirt?

As my beloved ARC SP-11 MK II continues to fetch big bucks on the used market, I was a bit surprised to see the low prices for later model line stage preamps.

It never occured to me to buy a solid state ARC product, but perhaps the LS3 is worth a listen for a spare preamp? Or video or desktop system?

If nothing else, it would be nice to have the same ergonomics and build quality as I have in my main system.

In the < $1000 range for systems where I will not need a phono stage, what is the hierarchy of bargains in ARC preamps?
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by aball

aball
2,018 posts
 
The LS3 is inexpensive but I owned one and wouldn't recommend it at all. Its sound is flat, timbre is monochromatic, dynamics are compressed, bass is weak and highs are grainy. It ranks as the worst preamp I have ever tried (and I've had a dozen). For barely more money, the Classe CP50 was far and away more sophisticated and accomplished. Such was my experience.

Arthur
More to discover