2. amps-preamps
  3. 153394-34300

Upgrading Tube Preamp from Audio Research LS-7 - Recommendations for better soundstage?

I want to replace my ARC LS-7 tube preamp. I fell in love with the bloom and warmth when I bought it. But it doesn't have the soundstage focus or width that I had heard from others I had demo'd at the time. I think I want both now!

Any recommendations on upgrades? - tube for sure, but something with better soundstaging - more focus and width. Open to used gear like an ARC SP-16L or Prima Luna Prologue or Conrad Johnson Classic or PV15 or Rogue 99 or??? These are just some I had seen used in the $1000 - $1500 range which is basically my budget.

Don't need a phono amp but would use one, don't need a remote but would use one.

My system.
- Digital and vinyl sources
- ARC LS-7 Tube preamp
- McCormack DNA-1 solid state amp
- Martin Logan SL3 Electrostat/dynamic woofer

Thanks much.

1trackmind

Showing 1 response by monoogan

monoogan
55 posts
 
LS 25 or 26? Similar ARC house sound with a single gain stage and cathode follower with no feedback. The 25 mk2 and 26 are especially quiet but if you have a stash of 6922s then a 25 Mk1 is an option. The 26 has good stage width. Also really nice if you're planning on going balanced in the future.
Just a thought.
Good hunting.
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