Audio Research LS28SE vs McIntosh C53

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.