ARC LS-5MKIII or ARC LS-25MKII

ARC LS5 HAS MORE EUPHONIC BLOOM COMPARED TO LS25

Definitely LS5.

Since you have balanced components already, I would take the LS5. You could then get a hold of some 7308/6922 tubes to replace the Sovteks, assuming that is what you're getting.

If you want to continue spending like the rest of us, you can send the unit to Steve Huntley at GNS & he can replace the power cord with an EIC plug.

There's no end to it.

LS-5 Mklll yes!yes! definately. Especially the Mklll. Go balanced. Get yourself the Siemens 7308 gold pins and boy your set! I'm envious man!

I was a happy and proud owner of the LS5 II / III for almost 8 years. It's good to hear my old LS5 III is being enjoyed so much, Steve. Sounds like you have had it modified and retubed. Very cool. And Ken, no need to be envious, get to it and get one for yourself! You should have done this before all the amps and speaker swaps. And after the LS5, the PH2 is even more the impressive phono stage and an absolute steal at recent used prices of $750! I do not know of a better line/phono combination for the $$ than this. And throw in a VT130 and woo hooo, the magic can be breathtaking.
John