Preamp upgrade


Hi all. Looking for some Reva or just to be told that it likely doesn’t get much better. Current preamp audio research ls-7 which was an audiogon purchase 12 years ago 550.00. Upgrade consideration ARC ref 3, ARC GSPre, Elliott Studio Arts 66-001, aesthetix Janus, audible illusion 3b, etc. rest of the system is parasound Jc 5 amp. eat c-sharp TT, McIntosh MP100 phono pre bluenode streamer and vandersteen treo carbon ct. audio quest cables throughout. I am wondering if the preamp upgrade for thousands more will provide any real marginal gain. Looking forward to the chat

128x128jelliott78

Lots of good advise to think about. I’d say the LS7 sounds pretty good and all the items in the system work well together. I listed severall preamp companies and models I was considering but the real consideration is the level of improvement for the amount of money spent vs what I paid for the LS7 many years ago. Good to hear everyone’s take ownership and what they have tried and liked and even some of the pitfalls of other equipment. A lot to consider. 

What is your take on vacuum tube preamps?

Spatial Audio Lab's Raven Preamplifier is very good I read.

Here is the thread on Audiogon - https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/spatial-audio-raven-preamp

 

Pre amps should Always be Tubed....Amps can be either. My Audio-GD HE-1 Xlr has ten tubes...it's the size of a Pizza Box ...and is fantastic for 5K.