2. amps-preamps
  3. 182167-163074

Recapping an ARC LS-5 mkiii

So I have done an exhaustive Internet search on this, and have some answers (but not all).

Every piece of audio gear I have from the 80's and 90's has had some sort of issue and needed mods and/or repairs. Some of this wasn't audible, but showed up when the equipment was put on a test bench.

Every piece of classic/vintage equipment I have (Aragon, Sonic Frontiers, Audio Research) has been updated except for my LS-5 mkiii preamp. With ARC gear, I know lots of people tend to think of them like classic cars and look down anything ARC didn't do originally.

At the same time, I know ARC offers a Stealth Cap upgrade (roughly $800 IIRC) and I also know Steven Huntley at GNSC used to modify ARC gear (including the LS-5), but I can't really find anything out there on what that process involved.

I am interested in getting the Stealth Caps done, however, outside of that, I don't want to change the sound signature too dramatically (like shoehorning an LS V8 motor into a Mazda RX-7). I'm sure there are some gains to be made (Rel Caps to Infinicaps?), but want to make sure I do things the right way.

BTW, the preamp sounds good (to me), but as I've learned, that doesn't always mean it would test completely within spec.

Thanks in advance.

atlvalet

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,892 posts
 

OP:

Honestly don't know the improvement possible there, you'd have to ask some one who has gone through it.  I was speaking from a generalized perspective focused on reliability.

Film caps have a much longer lifespan, and while they _may_ last indefinitely they do sometimes get leaky.  It's the power supply caps I worry about from a reliability perspective. 

If you think the sound quality improvements in the coupling caps worth it that's up to you, but I am afraid I can't offer you guidance. :)


Best,

 

Erik

erik_squires
15,892 posts
 

I would say that the signal cpas should be left alone, but power supply caps could be redone. In a tube pre these are few and even top of the line power supply caps are cheaper, better and will last longer than what we were using in the 1980s.

This is probably a much lower cost investment than I think you were considering.

The one exception here is perhaps the AC coupling caps typically used on the outputs should those prove to be leaky. 

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