I have to disagree about the LS25 Mark 11. I recently auditioned the Reference 11 and the LS25 in my system. I found the LS25 very close in sound to the Ref.11 at a considerable less cost. The LS25 is not a all tube design and has a less tube sound than many AR preamps and in my system was very transparant. Of course this is all very subjective and system dependent. I used a Jeff Rowland Model 10 amp with the LS25 and thought it was a good match. I bought the LS25 and have been very happy with it. I would at least try it in your system to see if it works for you. It should be a great match with the AR amp and phono. Good luck.
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?)
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?)