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Considering a change from ARC LS3b to LS15

You guys have been so much help in the past and reading through old threads I know this is the place to ask.
I currently am using an ARC LS3b with the balanced outputs to crossover to amplifier and using the Direct Mode for CD playback.
I have zero complaints about this preamp and if I had to, could live with it for a long time.
That being said, I would like to venture into tubes and wish to keep the XLR connections to my crossover and amp and look at getting a CD player with balanced outputs.
Would the LS15 be a sonic upgrade to the LS3b and do you guys feel its a decent pre to cut my teeth on regarding the switch to tubes?
I run a sunfire bi-amped to ML sequels through an electronic crossover and a Denon DVD3910--for now.
Thanks in advance.
ltngstrucktwice
misternice's avatar
misternice
339 posts
 
Hi there,I lived with a ls 15 for a few years,and really enjoyed the pre.It responds well to different tubes and powercords.Its a fine pre amp for the money,in my book.
br3098
994 posts
 
I purchased a new LS15 preamp and kept it for about 10 years. It found it to be a nice, polite preamp for the money, but not outstanding IMO. If you are looking for better sounding preamp in the Audio Research line (without waiting for a rich Uncle to die so that you can afford a Ref unit) I would recommend the LS16 or the LS26; especially the latter.
ninjagosg
1 posts
 
if you don't want to spend on any of the ref preamps, you can also try the ls26 or ls27 since they have trickle down tech from the ref pre that preceeds them
ltngstrucktwice OP
13 posts
 
Am I correct to believe the LS26 is fully balanced?
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