Audio Research LS28SE vs McIntosh C53

The Audio Research is more evenly balanced with more detail. The Mac is a bit weightier sound. Definitely a preference thing. I would definitely listen to the Mac. My personal preference is definitely Audio Research. But there are lots of folks that like the Mac sound. Especially if rock music is your preferred fare. Also, if you have B&W speakers or Focal that have a hot top end, that can balance out the sound from Mac. 

I find AI does a pretty good job of contrasting sound:

The McIntosh C53 and Audio Research LS28SE offer distinct sonic signatures. The McIntosh is known for its slightly more mid-rangey sound with a noticeable lack of treble detail, while the Audio Research is described as more detailed and punchy across the entire frequency spectrum, with a particularly strong high-end. Some listeners find the Audio Research to be more "effortless" and revealing of the full sonic landscape. 

McIntosh C53:

• Sound Signature: Characterized as slightly mid-rangey and lacking in treble detail. 
• Overall Impression: Some describe the C53 as "well-behaved" and offering "fantastic sound quality" for its price point, according to a review by McIntosh. 
• Strengths: May be preferred by listeners who appreciate a warmer, more forgiving sound signature, especially those who may be sensitive to bright highs. 

Audio Research LS28SE:

• Sound Signature:

  Described as more detailed, punchy, and having a wider frequency response, particularly in the treble region. 

• Overall Impression:

  Often praised for its refined and textured sound, with a particular focus on clarity and transparency in the higher frequencies. 

• Strengths:

  May be preferred by listeners who value a more neutral and detailed sound, with strong imaging and separation. 

In Summary:

The choice between the two depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a warmer, slightly less demanding sound with good mids, the McIntosh C53 might be suitable. If you prefer a more detailed, punchy, and neutral sound with excellent high-end extension, the Audio Research LS28SE might be the better choice. 

ghdprentice, thank you for your very informative response. I have had McIntosh preamps although the last 3 were pre-pro. I have had 3 AR pre amps now and I do really like the LS28SE currently in my system. A recent bout with tube failure at 1900 hours caused some frustration in pinpointing the problem and seeking the resolution, which at AR’s advice was to replace 2 of the tubes and if not resolved to replace the other 2. 
And I am sure that this is probably a character flaw, but every now and then I think I hear the problem. Which makes me think must I replace more tube, I only use these from AR, but the expense concern plays a weighted factor. 
So the question pops in my mind, maybe simplify, and return to solid state. I don’t have to go with McIntosh, but at my age and being retired, long term solutions play a huge part. Preferably I would keep my system as is and use the money on other ideas I have. 
but your advice is good, I need to to the dealer where I  purchases my speakers, Sonus Faber, as they are a McIntosh dealer as well. He does push the Simm products, how ever with tariffs I think that has escalated the investment. 
 

thanks again 

Theo

IMO it boils down to personal preference. What does your ear tell you?

ARC makes the finest preamps in the world in many studied pro's opinion. 

MAC has a warm, engaging "house sound" that has been carefully curated over decades. 

Which music you listen to most and which speakers you drive are major factors in the sound signature you want. 

While I am biased toward ARC I have heard some really magical MAC rigs. To be honest I'd like to add a MAC integrated driving a set of Maggie 1.7x to my small room system- even though my big rig is ARC pre-and power amp'd and it thrills me again and again. 

Theo, why not wait to hear the new Audio Research LS2 solid state preamp that has just been announced? The sound may be closer to your LS28E.

George, thanks for the demonstration of what AI can provide for us audiophiles! 

Let's hesitate to go to ChatGPT or start using any LLM-based "oracle" for advice, assessment, or summary. These AI tools only scan the Internet (or were trained from the Internet), and then parrot-out text from random sources, meted by statistical preponderances, to put it kindly.

More to the point, the experienced, hearing, feeling people make Agon. The specific, individual experiences recounted here, with passion, are The Stuff.

While I am a "signal processing and AI guy", it is clear to anyone that the personal experiences reported here at Agon, especially with the subtle and the obvious disagreements, caveats, new ideas, and minority opinions are infinitely more valuable and thought-provoking than unthinking LLM consensus.

So +1 to gph and all the others who hear, think, feel, and write here about their real experiences. And back to the original point, I have a bunch of Mc equipment and only one ARC preamp. I sure like that preamp, and all of my family members perk up and listen to the "That sounds real!" sound when I fire it up.

Yes-ura-pirate, thanks for your advice and yes I do plan to listen to the Mac before I decide. Or any other brand that pops up as a candidate for the change.

Jallan, I had no idea that ARC was planning to re-enter the SS market. Yes I would really want to hear one. Have you heard of any release dates?

eurorack, I realize that I will be entering into a new sound overall. My real concern is how different. I picked McIntosh as a primary candidate because of past experience, that I have 2 McAmps now, and their build quality. Provided that their quality has not been compromised by the acquisition by Bose. Which to my understanding Bose has made some personnel changes but product has been hands off up to now at least.

as mentioned I would consider other brands, but am not as familiar with products as I used to be. But I will say from a bad experience, I have ruled out Ayre. Not really interested in Bryston either. I do think they build a solid piece but last time I listened they seemed to sterile and lacking emotion. 
 

One other note, 90% of my listening is classic rock, some blues, some jazz and very little classical/orchestral and no c&w. 
 

thank you everyone that has responded so far

Theo

I would stretch to get a ar 6se, maybe a nice used one will be out there.  Always concerned about how audio research Burns tubes aggressively.  Why not A Tube preamp from McIntosh which is a lot easier on tubes?

OP,

Tube problems happen, but are rare. I now run over fifty tubes and have not had any problems for years. I had one whistle a few years ago. I just brought out my backup set and replaced one by one until the whistle disappeared. 

Tubes are outside the control of the manufacturer. And as I say, generally are very reliable. I just recommend, replacing the other couple tubes... to rest your mind... and you'll probably never experience a problem in your life. I know other folks (that own a LS28SE and other ARC) and have never had a problem. 

Just be careful with any tube electronics.  While on the surface, it seems it can be fixed at any old shop, you may be in for a long wait if something does go wrong.  My ARC ref 10 blew a tube once, took the surrounding "sacrificial" resistors with it.  TOok about 6 months to get back on its feet.  

I have heard Audio Research has reduced their backlog to less than a month. 

Although changing tubes is not a hazardous process. 

I realize that tubes are not prone to defect, however they can fail. Just as transistors can fail and the cure for a failed tube is much easier than that of a failed transistor or cap. But it is still a possibility of change that I am drawn to investigate. I may or may-not make the change, but it is still something I may decide to do. I have received some great advice and food for thought here. 
One thing I haven’t seen is suggestions for other solid state pre-amps that should be considered. I actually find that reassuring that if I do make the change, that McIntosh will be my consideration. As far as changing to a McIntosh Tube pre is not an option for me. I will just stay with my LS28SE if that is the case. 
now I do have another question that comes to mind, I was told by a well known tube dealer that I should be changing the 6H30 tubes at 2000 hours not 4000 as ARC recommends. I kind of figured, hmmm a tube dealer recommends me buying tubes twice as frequently than before. So I’d be curious what you guys think.

Tube vs SS - a wonderful challenge to have. I really like ARC but am still uncomfortable with dealing with tubes. 
 

Yet I don’t mind changing the oil in my car. In the end it’s about choices and if you can audition, audition and understand the new product roadmap. There may be additional opportunities regarding new products aa well as getting deals on demos or used units.