Which Audio Research preamp?

ARC REF 2 MK 2.....Great bang for the buck. Generally around 3 to 3500 used, depending on condition. I actually prefer the REF 2 MK 2 to both the Ref 3 and 6 SE I  had. Of course the 6 SE is overall the better device, however in one vital area I do like the REF 2 more....Tonality and Tonal Density. The 6 SE is just a touch drier and leaner in the mid bass and mid range. YMMV, as they say.

Cheers...

@soix I’m thinking you may have missed all the scratches on the unit. It has been around the block and back, maybe an audiogon 5.  Why the dents in the input selector? 

Might be worth a stretch for this LS27…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/394422689466

@audphile1 Oh man, phono on the brain! Good catch.

@noromance the AI L3A is a linestage. 
 

@gthirteen check out this LS-26 on USAM  

Audio Research SP6. The preamp that William Z. Johnson said that he always wanted to build after the SP3! I have one. It and its phono stage are still a world-class preamp!

@noromance 

+1

I found the PH8 finally took the phonostage out of the picture and allowed me to hear my TT. Honestly, the best used Audio Research phono stage you can afford. I have owned the 2, 2SE, 3, 3se, 8, and Ref 3. Audio Research Phono stages are world class. I plan on upgrading to the Reference 3SE soon.

PH6 or PH8. Used.