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Question for ARC line stage owners

I am trying to determine when ARC started to install IEC connectors on their LS models. As close as I can determine it started around 1997 or 1998. Here is what I have been able to put together so far. It seems that some latter LS15's have it and the early ones don't. Some LS 8's have it and some don't. LS8 mkII's do have it. All the LS7's I have seen don't have. The REF 1's don't. Current LS units like the 16 and 25, and REF 2 I already know have the IEC from the factory. Please tell me if I have this wrong.

I also would like some feedback on when ARC started to install the InfiniCaps in the LS series from the factory?

I am thinking of trading my SP for an LS. I have been toying with the idea of going all digital and won't need the phono section. It may also be an opportunity to go balanced throughout my system. Again, LS 7,8 are single ended. LS 15's are both. and I assume that all of the current stuff is both SE & balanced.

Any thoughts on what other ARC owners felt about the advantages of going balanced in terms of sound are also welcomed. If I decide I don't need to go balanced I can always install an IEC and some InfiniCaps, or the new DynamiCaps in an LS7 and have a nice sounding line stage for a modest price.

If I could I would just buy a REF or a 25 kII but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon. Give me your thoughts.
maxgain

Showing 1 response by warddorrity

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warddorrity
10 posts
 
Hi, Catpenny -

I will second your observation on the substitution of 6H23s for 6922s - they make a substantial difference for the approx $200 cost (vendor: Upscale Audio). For my LS22r, this meant improved transparency, smoother top end and more liquid midrange. Bass seemd mre defined as well. Having said that, I still get the best results when I bypass the preamp altogether, running an Accuphase DP-75 directly into a Pass X350 via balanced lines. The improvement in tonal texture, sound stage and definition is nothing short of astonishing.
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