Audio Research LS 12 Preamp Characteristics?

Levchappy - I just purchased an LS12 here on Audiogon and I should be receiving it within the next week or so. Now I will have the opportunity to actually hear this unit in my own system and will be able to give you a much better idea of how this preamp compares to others I have owned.

Bobgates

Congradulations on winning. I'd like to hear from others.

I have had my LS-12 in the system for about a year now and I couldn't be happier. It was a tad edgy on some recordings, but with the addition of a tube cd player it is near perfect now.
I agree with what Etbaby has stated above.
This preamp will hold me over until I can afford that LS-26

If you think the LS-12 is good AR solid state preamp, you should try the LS-10. I went up the chain with Audio Research preamps and the LS-12 is very good, but it is no match for the LS-10. I tried the LS-12 because it was newer....but it couldn't measure up.

The LS-10 rarely comes up for sale here on the 'Gon, but when they do, they normally go from $1600 to $2200.

....it is one killer solid state preamp. I've owned it on three separate ocasions....and I may buy it again for my 2nd system. The female vocals on it are so real that it is down right scary. Very nice layering of instruments and pitch-black background too.