Thinking to upgrade from Audio Research LS27 to LS28

 You could borrow an LS28 from a dealer to compare. But my guess is that it would not be a huge jump. I would say that moving to a used Ref 5se would be a much bigger jump.

 A few years ago I had the chance to buy a dealer demo LS27. I passed because I did not think it was a worthwhile upgrade from what I already had. For fun I borrowed a Ref 5se to try in my system. Tuesday morning came and I was suppose to take the demo back. I called the dealer (who I had known for years) and told him I did not want to return the Ref 5se. I would much rather buy his demo unit. It was so good I did not want to part with it. 

 I am still extremely happy with my the Ref 5se, So much so that I bought a Ref Phono 2se to pair with it. I have no desire to upgrade them. BTW, I have own ARC gear since the late 1980's when I bought a D70 and SP8. So I have own a few pieces.

I had an LS28 and was very impressed.  Then I picked up a REF6 at a good price.  It is better, but not by much (10%?).  Certainly not as much as the price difference.  I suspect the LS28SE has now pulled up to near equal with the REF6.  Email ARC and ask.  LS28's trade used for less than the value I think they are worth.  You potentially could pick up a used one and the get it upgraded to SE when you want to invest more.

what did you decide, pilrem?

I have been all over the place and ended up trading a GSi75 for a REF75SE & LS27.  I know the 75SE is superior to the amp section of the GSi75 and I love the LS27.  I haven't compared another preamp but of course am looking.  I am curious what you tried.

I had a LS26 and was contemplating a LS28 and could have bought one at a great price. A dealer told me it is a very nice preamp and a step up but not substantially. He said I would be better off with a Primaluna Evo 400 and people were trading in their Ref series preamps for the EVO. I had a Ref110 amp at the time so was wanting to stick with all Audio Research components. After some research I decided to take his advice and went for the EVO 400 because I needed the XLR. It was the right decision because the EVO is an extremely good sounding preamp. Just throwing this out there and if your preference to stay with Audio Research you will have a great sounding system. If you do then I would try and spring for the Ref series preamps. Just my 2 cents 😁

I ended up buying a CPO REF6

I am in love with my system now!!! Heaven!

congrats on the preamp ! join us over at Vandy owners forum also

Jim