Best bargain ARC tube pre amp around a grand

Kehut, you may know this already but LS stands for, in "ARC speak" line stage(may be too obvious). The SP line has a phono stage built in. Their are many ways to go within the framework you have.

Par3n1's suggestion is a good one, not sure about the Helikon's low output into the 9 though. I have more experience with the 9 using med.to high output MC's. I used to own an SP8 which many like better than the 9 and can be had for the budget you are working with. An 8 may need some of the power supply caps repalced by now and from my experience are not as reliable as the 9. An SP9 Mk I or II has a lot of potential and to me sound good in stock form too. With a few small upgrades, like an IEC for a new power cord and some new caps they can really sing. I installed an IEC and InfiniCaps in mine. I love the sound. You could use the new AuriCaps, DynamiCaps, or the Cardis Golden Ratio Hybrid caps(Great Northers Sound uses these I understand).

The LS7 is a great buy, and sound VERY nice too. Combined with a phono stage of your choosing could work real well. Their have been some ARC PH(phono only)units going for decent prices here on the Gon. You may be able to get into a LS7/PH1 combo not far over the grand figure? You will need to still check if the PH1 has the gain you need for the Helikon.

If you need the gain for a low output MC cartridge, you'll need to look as the SP 11 (out of price range used) or the SP 9 series. There's an SP9 for auction on Audiogon at the moment starting at $600. While the Mk III is an improved preamp, the original Mk I for circa $600 is a great bargain.

You really can't go wrong whichever ARC product you choose. They split the hair between ss and classic tube, being revealing but also musical. I have been using a LSIIB with a PH1 an have been very satisfied. Whatever you can afford will please you, plus they have updates and their customer service can't be beat. Have fun!

Hi Ken,

Interesting to come across your post here with my dear 3.3s.

You mention the lush ARC sound. The LS2 is anything but this. After I owned an SP10 for 8 years, listening to the LS2 was about the biggest disappointment when it came to musicality. It took the LS5 to bring upon all the SP10's magic but also bring along so many refinements. ARC has been fairly consistent with musical tube amps through the evolution, but this certainly has not been the case with their preamps....SP or LS series.

The SP10/SP11 is only mediocre as a line stage. The SP8, SP10 and SP11 were great in their day as phono preamps. Forget about the LS15 & LS22 besides the fact that they too are over your price. The only unit that really would fit the sound requirement is the LS5 in any version (the MK III is awesome) but this too is over your cost. I think the LS7/PH1 is a very good option here.

Another option I would suggest you do is jump on a CJ Premier 10. I saw one here recently for a great price.

John

I've paired my ARC LS-2B with my Quicksilver EL-34 Triode push/pulls, my Quicksilver 300B SET's and my old Quicksilver Silver 90's (like your 60's, that is another KT-88 pentode design by Mike Sanders). I love it in combination with the EL-34 and the Silver 90, but with the SET's it is too analytical and cold for my taste. I use a Cary SLP-50A with those which is a wonderful combination. I think it should work well with your 60's if my experience with the Silver 90's is anything to go by. If you get an LS-2B make sure to try it out in 'Direct' mode (requires a balanced connection) which bypasses the switching circuits. To my ears it makes for a nice improvement. No phono stage, as Captpenny points out though. You should be able to find an LS-2B for anywhere from $700-950 on the used market. That could leave you some room for a pretty decent phono pre if you're a good shopper. Plenty of those to choose from. You may go over your $1k budget, but not by much and you'll have a really nice setup.