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Mcintosh vs. Audio Research tube preamps

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare, say, Audio Research LS25 with a Mac C22 original or commemorative? They have very similar values on the used market and I was curious as to anyone's perspective. Or say the LS25 (i or ii) and an MX110. I suppose I would expect to hear that the vintage Mac stuff is warmer with more rolled frequencies, but I'd love to get a first-hand impression from somebody. The LS25 mark 1 is also supposedly tube-euphonic, as well. It's a good topic for the old database!
todds7

Showing 1 response by aball

aball
2,018 posts
 
I had an MX110 for a while but never had any tube ARC preamps. I rebuilt the MX110 completely and it sounded a lot more modern afterwards. Beforehand, it was soft and was lacking top end extension. Afterwards, it was surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting to hear a sort of "hifi" sound with excellent detail and transient snap - not exactly "tube-euphonic.". But I wouldn't advise you getting an MX110 (or original C22) without an overhaul - they are 40 years old these days.

Arthur
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