2. amps-preamps
  3. 1014125087

Preamp dilemma...

Just sold my Audio Research LS15 to upgrade preamp. System is:

Basis 2001/Graham 2.2/MBenz m.09
Arcam Alpha 9 CD
AR PH3
AR VT100MkII
ProAc 2.5's

I've been pleased, just looking for improved soundstage, dynamics; if I had to choose, I would say I would better tolerate some warmth in the system, but still want detail. Love nothing more than being drawn into the music. Listen to vinyl/CD about 60/40.

Preamps on the list:

AR LS25MkII
Thor TA-1000
SF Line3
Joule LA100

I have a fairly long IC run to the amp (5 meters), but I'm hearing that balanced vs. single-ended isn't the silver bullet it was once thought to be, as evidenced by many high-end units only being made w/SE outs. My big concern is compatibility with the VT100MkII and the PH3, since there's no way I'm going to be able to audition many of these. Opinions on these (or is there a glaring omission that would work here?)
chazmo

Showing 5 responses by audiotomb

audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I just upgraded to an arc ls5

hands down the best arc amp except for the ref 2!
it was more revealing than a ref 1 in a comparison

and has brought musicality to my system in a very involving way

I had an LS2 mk ii before this

Tom
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Celery

glad to know I am not alone in the ls5 endorsements

I can't afford a ref2 but i sure enjoy my ls5
it makes music so so involving!
the decay of the notes is heavenly

what tubes have you used on it besides the amperexs?
I am using the russian soltexs (came with it)
and have two damper rings per tube ($80 for that)

I would love to get a mk iii for single ended stuff
but the mk ii with cheater plugs works wonderfully

what do you think of the bl-2 rca to xlr boxes???

anyway CHAZMO, I am not trying to divert your thread

don't buy an LS22 or LS25, they don't have the magic of the LS5. Unless you are willing to modify them substantially.
Why arc would skimp when the ls5 was such a gem is beyond me

look at the resale values and it's obvious
or look at the lack of available LS5's on the market

tom
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
celery - thanks for the tips on tubes

do you have a mkii or mkiii?

I have a mkii and it works fine with single ended cables using adapter clips. No need to spend gobs of money on a bl1 or 2 and more interconnects as long as your cables are 2 meters or less.

I am just astounded at the LS5's resoliving power and the way notes hang and decay so naturally. Even on recordings that were made a little bright. I'm an acoustic guitar and bass player and the musicality of the ls5 is just so right. Too bad I missed buying your second 5 celery, I recall seeing it and writing you but the funds were not there then.

I demo'd the Ref 1, not the same ballgame - it seemed more restrained, less musically involving.

anyway Chazmo - try an ls5 with your setup and you won't be taking the preamp out of it!
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
chazmo

definitely stay away from the LS25 or 22

the only arc amps outside reference that could handle long runs (5 meters) are the LS2 and LS5
these were designed when mono blocks near speakers were all the rage
after that they went cheap on the power transformers
and were caught up in the home theatre bypasses and skimped big time on the power supply. And you can hear the results!
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
rec

the ls25 and ref 1 are in the same league
the ls5 is in a league with the ref 2
which is well beyond the ls25
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