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Should I consider the newer Audio Research pre & power amps, when I play records not CD's

I worked in and owned upper end audio stores back in the 1970's. (McIntosh B&O Magnepan, etc) I have been pretty much out of audio for the past 30 years. In my old age, I want to play the records I have saved (many MFSL & Japanese virgin vinyl) I kept my B&O linear 4002 W/mmc20CL cart. and it still works and I have newer B&W 804 speakers. I am going to get a new table of better quality. I have always wanted an Audio Research tube amp and Preamp. I am considering the LS 26 or LS17SE Preamp and older D90/115 or newer VS 115 or the Ref 75SE. I am in my 60's and my hearing is not as good as it was, plus I am lost with all the digital technology. (just started using a smart phone) I just wanted to get opinions spending $4000 on older ARC or bite the bullet and spend in the $7000 up. Is it worth spending the money for the new equipment when I am only playing records. 
128x128juke4u
juke4u's avatar
juke4u OP
50 posts
 
I went thru the B&O (new caps, belts, and lub. It is a good table but I am going to keep it with the video system. I have beem looking at turntables and phono preamps. Vpi is high on the list and also Music Hall, Rega, and Thorens. I have not done any research on new cartridges. I have an older Denon 103D, Shure V15 Type lll, and an extra B&O mmc20cl I can use. I have always liked the Denon.
rwt
3 posts
 
You may want to seriously consider a used ARC SP20 preamp.  This has a built in Phono preamp.  I just got one and I am very impressed with it.  This replaces my ARC LS2 which I have meaning to upgrade for a long time.  I considered the Ref 5SE but the SP20 comes with a Phono Preamp built in and is great value for the money especially if you can get it for a good price.  I have paired this with a Ref 75 which replaced my VT100 as well. 
rwt
3 posts
 
By the way what was the name of your store in Pasadena?
juke4u's avatar
juke4u OP
50 posts
 
I have looked at the VT 100 MKIII (it has XLR inputs) over the other 2 models and the Ref 75. What is your opinion on the 2 amps.
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 


 All three of the VT100 models have both RCA and Balanced connections. As I remember there is a little switch. The mk1 version has reliability problems. The VT100 amps also difficult to bias. They also can't run KT120 tubes.

The VT series were not one of ARC's better efforts. I bought a  used mk3 when I had to send my V70 in for service. I was very happy to get my V70 back. Though more detailed the VT100 mk3 sounded lifeless. I also had a mk2 in my system for a little while. I never directly compared them, but I think the mk2 is a little better sounding amp. 

 If the choice is between a VT100 (any version) and a Ref 75. The Ref 75 is a much better sounding amp. All of the Ref series amps are in a different league than the VT series. 

 Are there any interesting amps in your for sale used in your area? If so why not ask if you can hear them. Take a look at what else their system consists of. What preamp they are using. There is no substitute for experience. Listen to every thing you can so that you get a better frame of reference. I am good friends with my ARC dealer. I will sometime bring a piece home for the weekend just to hear it. 


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