McIntosh ss preamp vs. ARC tube preamp

I can't vouch for the ARC tubes (although I will try one some day) but my little C712 was significantly nicer than an LS-3b I had. It was much more involving, 3 dimensional, and just sounded more natural in general. I don't know if this helps you at all but it was a head-to-head comparison in my own system. You can always sell a Mc preamp for what you paid for it (if you buy used) so it is definately worth a try! Arthur

In that case, get a Mc pre with a loudness control (knob or switch). Many of them have it and it will compensate for the Fletcher Munson curves at low volumes. I REALLY miss that feature on my current preamp. No preamp can adequately compensate without an extra control for it. One day I will upgrade to another Mc pre with this feature (right now, I can't afford the model I want). Arthur