2. amps-preamps
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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 2 responses by todds7

todds7 OP
18 posts
 
Art -- Yeah, ravages of time to be sure. That's a good point, suggesting (to me, anyway) that a real A-to-B comparison might be the C22 Commemorative and the original LS25, i.e., not mark ii. Thanks for your input.
todds7 OP
18 posts
 
I'll never forget years ago hearing the ARC SP11 in a high-end store when it first came out. I don't remember the amps, but the speakers were Maggies. It sounded as if you were hearing live music through an open window, so open and transparent was the sound. There was little or no bass, but such openness and transparency I've rarely heard since. The spacial dimension was remarkable.

My gut reaction is that vintage Macs are more colorful, the ARCs more accurate. I'm interested in a blend of the two, and I suspect that the SP25 mark 1 would be a good contender. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to chime in. Thanks again for your thoughts.
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