Audio Research LS28SE vs McIntosh C53

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