There was a thread last week that addressed this exact question about the pre vs non-pre sett up. Have a look and you should easily find it. Personally, I prefer the pre-amp in the chain. I tried bypassing my Audio Research LS-17-SE and running my McIntosh MCD301 direct to my mono blocs. I was not pleased with the sound, and quickly went back to running through the pre-amp. But thats just my my taste. Ultimately it is your ears which will decide whats best for you.
Used Audio Research Preamp Options
Before I pose my question, I do admit that I expect mixed responses since the question is somewhat subjective. That been said, I think I have pushed myself into an obsession to own an Audio Research preamp. I know there are better preamps out there for the money and I might ultimately overcome this obsession but I'd like to hear from folks who have owned different ARC preamp's over the years about their personal experiences. So here is my question: if you had $2500 to spend, which used ARC preamp would you buy? A line stage component would be fine, tube or SS. I'm also making an assumption which may not be completely valid and that is any of these preamps will be an upgrade from my NAD C165BEE. Any comments will be appreciated here too. My other components are McIntosh MC2200 (100K impedance) and a Vincent SP-331 ( 47K impedance,150w in 8 ohm/300w 4 ohm) amplifiers. Not sure if speakers matter- ML Aerius, Def. Tech. BP20 since I'm also looking for an upgrade route there too. Thanks.
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I had previously owned an Audio Research SP-3 and LS-3 and earlier this year decided to upgrade preamps. After considering some of the excellent suggested used ARC preamps mentioned in the above responses, I decided to pick a new ARC LS-17SE on closeout from an authorized ARC dealer for $2795.00. Overall, I felt this was the best deal for me as the preamp listed for $5995 and was new in a sealed box from a well reviewed and authorized dealer. This unit was discontinued in 2015 as part of ARC's ever changing product lineup. I thought although there are some good buys available for some used ARC preamps, issues such as lack of warranty, possibility that tubes would need replacement and that given a need to replace caps after (in some cases) within 15-20 yrs., I felt a new unit was the way to go. Since these units are still available at this price, you may wish to consider that option as well. I have been very satisfied with this unit's build quality and sonic performance and would not hesitate to recommend it as a best buy in the price range that you are looking for. |
Thank you. Interestingly enough, I did see that (new) LS17SE and it looked like a great deal but didn't see it as one of the models folks mentioned. No doubt its a great unit and glad to see it going to a good home. I also found an LS25 MK2 from a reputable dealer and almost pulled the trigger until I did the direct input experiment and liked the outcome. I'll look for the thread mentioned above to see what folks say but I can already expect to hear divided inputs. I actually remember seeing some ARC models have a "direct" button which I guess gives the option to bypass the preamp altogether. It is however interesting to hear that see people actually do prefer the preamp in the chain. I'm sure like everything else, it all depends on the specifications of the source and the amp as well as the quality/length of the interconnects. In my case, I couldn't find any specs for either my CD player or the Bluesound but a low 0.775mV input sensitivity for the amp and using a very short distance - 0.5m, between the components are helping with the gain.
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You may want to do some further reading on the pros and cons of a preamp vs. direct connection. One approach is a passive line stage, i.e. a device which provides basic input switching, volume controls and outputs but no amplification of the signal. See the below link for a further and lengthy discussion on this and other approaches to removing a preamp from the chain. http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Linestages.html Another approach I have tried with the Mytek Brooklyn DAC is to use it for a preamp, removing the ARC LS-17SE from the chain. This DAC has the necessary setup (volume controls, etc.) to allow for this approach. Although it sounded pretty good, I reverted back to using the ARC LS-17SE as it had more inputs and a more natural soundstage and warmth. I suppose I could live with the Brooklyn DAC as a preamp but since I have the ARC unit I will periodically experiment with it vs. the DAC as a preamp. I am not aware of any ARC preamps which allow a complete bypass of their circuitry, only a home theater processor button such as on the LS-17SE which allows for a bypass of it's volume control to allow a separate home theater processor to control the volume. Although in theory removing things from the audio chain should improve sound, in practice this may not always be the case. |
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