2. analog
  3. 193582-20135

Audio Research LS28/SE, Ref 5/SE … what do you like better?

It’s time for me to upgrade my preamp and I have heard both LS 28SE and Ref 5SE  and was very impressed by the following:

-  Full bodied, lifelike, soulful vocals

- Resonant, warm, engaging wood instruments 

- Top end accuracy, without edginess

- Clarity around each instrument 

 

I have listened to a few different preamps in comparison to the AR’s (Margules 220SF 20th Anniversay Edition, VAC Signature Renaissance Mk 4, VTL 7.5 Mk2 and direct via the preamp in my dCS Rossini DAC) but each of these fell short of the AR’s.

Knowing what I like sonically (see above) is there anything that I should try to hear before pulling the plug on one of the AR’s? My budget is under $10,000 Used or $15-18,000 New.

System comprises Raidho D3.1 speakers, VTL S150 amp, dCS DAC/Streamer, Jay’s Audio Transport.

 

PLEASE only respond if you have heard/own an Audio Research LS 28/28SE or REF 5/5SE.

 

 

naperaudio

Showing 3 responses by naperaudio

naperaudio OP
27 posts
 

Thanks for all the advice/suggestions ….

I decided to spend a little (and have no regrets)  went with the Ref 6.  It sounds sublime! 

naperaudio OP
27 posts
 

As always guys, many thanks … exactly the type of knowledgeable feedback from members who know Audio Research preamps that I was searching for.

naperaudio OP
27 posts
 

@rsmith73 

Thanks for the comments, just the insight I was looking for. I was able to audition the LS28 SE in my system for a week but only heard the Ref 5SE in another system. Your thoughts have me  leaning to the 5SE (or Ref 6, if I want to spend more) as almost everything I’ve read supports that I’ll get just a little more sonically with the Ref series.

More to discover