Has anyone Upgraded their ARC preamp

Taters...I used to own the LS-26 and upgraded to a Ref 3. I did not think the LS-26 was mechanical. In fact I thought it was very musical. And the Ref 3 has the same sonic signature as the LS-26 but just gave you more of everything the LS-26 delivered: neutral tonal balance, natural timbres, wider dynamic envelope, more controlled bass, and 3D dimensionality and bloom. In both cases, the LS-26 and the Ref 3 were mated to ARC's Ref 110 power amp and CD 7 (so an all ARC chain). What did you have your LS-26 mated to in terms of amps (there could have been a mis-match there)? If that is not the case and you just did not like the LS-26 than I would not get the Ref 3. The LS-26 is a mini-Ref 3.I hope this helps.

One more thing. The LS-25 MkII is I think when ARC switched over to the 6H30 tubes in its preamps from 6922s. Does your LS-25 MK I pre have 6922 tubes in it? It could be that you just don't like the 6H30s vs 6922s. Just guessing here. Many folks who hear BAT and ARC pres based on the 6H30 tube think they are lean and almost SS sounding. I do not think that is the case but it could be you are in that camp.

Hifimaniac...nice setup and agree with you 100% on your description of the ARC sound. That's exactly right. I see you have the PH7 right now. With your Continuum set-up, it's begging for the Ref Phono 2 :-) One quick question, with the Ref 5 mated to the SS Nemo monos, you still get as much 3D dimensionality in the soundstage and that sense of bloom and air around instruments as compared to the Ref 5 into a tubed power amp (Ref 110/210s for example)? I run my Ref 3 into a Ref 110 and I am thinking about subbing out the Ref 110s for the DS450 from ARC but I am afraid to lose some of that tube magic that gives you an immersive quality to the musical presentation. Thanks

Toetap...imho, i don't think the Ref 3 requires 3 days of warm up :-). I would say after 30 mins, you are in happier than a pig in doodoo. Initial break-in is a different story and that has to do with the caps used. Initial break-in count on 200-400 hrs. After 200 hrs it starts getting there and after 400 hrs you are pretty much done.

hifimaniac...i understand where you are coming from. enjoy the great setup.

toetap..it's all good in the neighborhood :-)

and now back to the OP's original programming...