@romad I think you are on the right track for an LS27. I had an LS26 before I got my LS27 and that was a significant improvement in SQ as well as much better aesthetics.
I took quite a journey in the ARC line stage lineup and really liked the LS27 with the PH8 but I knew I could never stop thinking about the REF lineup. It was def a jump when I went to the REF 5 and REF 2 but I felt the LS27 was a better value for the SQ it offers. They don’t show up that often and if you get a good price I think you are guaranteed to get your money back if you also ever choose to move to the REF line. If you do move to the REF line, you can’t beat a REF 6 for their current ASP. They are not much more than the 5SE and usually a few thousand less compared to the 6SE.
Good luck!