Audio Research Pre-Amp advice

I was using my MSB DAC direct to the amp without a separate preamp.  My local dealer loaned me an ARC LS28SE to try.  It was only marginally better than the DAC direct, not even close to worth the money for it.  But I could hear some potential.  So I put in an ARC REF6.  That was a substantial improvement over the LS28SE and it is happily in my system.  Stretch your budget a little and go for the REF6 over the LS28SE.  They can be had on occasion for $7K or so.  

Don’t listen to the people saying it’s built like a tank or it’ll never need service or don’t worry about the tube life etc

Trust me, keep up with the tube life, monitor.  Change as recommended by the factory.  
 

Dont ask how I know. 
 

There was a significant jump in sound quality from the LS 27 to the Ref 5SE in my system. It uses 5 6H30s and the 6550, which isn't that many. 

+1 on not worrying about service. Most will never need service, they are built to last a lifetime and Audio Research prides itself on servicing older models and having an extensive parts stockroom. Should you keep it for decades, then any competent electrical repair can update the caps.

Well o so fast.  As a repair facility, we have had 5 ARC older products in the room for repair recently.  BUT they can be repaired and also upgraded to improve the sound so that I would agree with.

Happy Listening.

@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!