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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
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.

inagroove
156 posts
 

At your stated price range for new (15k-18k) and preference for ARC preamps, have you considered a ARC Reference 6SE?  

It is the current-model ARC Preamp may be in your price range. The MSRP is currently 22.5K, and I expect you can find one in your price range, especially if you are willing to accept an store-domo unit (not a returned unit, which should be even less costly).  Purchased this way, you should also receive the full factory warrant (which is value added).  You may even be able to get the store to install it...

Reviews claim it is a significant upgrade over the Ref 5. I currently use one (see system photos), and I am very happy with it thus far.

Happy hunting...

rsmith73
37 posts
 

I recently upgraded from an ARC LS27 to a Ref 5SE. I had the opportunity to listen to it along with an LS 28SE at home in my system. The Ref 5SE won hand down in my system for my musical tastes. You can see my system in my virtual system.  Very musical indeed.  

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.

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! 

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