2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research LS series......

I am thinking about adding a tube preamp to my system. I use a highly modified Accuphase C200 right now and I am happy with it. I would like to have a tube preamp that I can mod...so the top price would be about $1500 used. I was thinking about changing the coupling caps with some V-caps(or other). My goal is to have a very natural,transparent sound,and a very good soundstage...the pre would be warmer but not tubey..to compliment my SS C200 preamp. I have read reveiws on the LS2,LS15,& the LS17...any thoughts. I use RCA connections and need 2 sets of outputs. My equipment is...

VAC 140's
NBS cables
custom dynaudio speakers

Thanks for any input...

P.S. I know there are many tube pre's that I could use...but I think that for the money I want to spend the ARC would be a good choice.
wavetrader
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,940 posts
 
ARC never made a LS6C. This would be a SP6C and was a wonderful preamp in it's day. I would recommend also the LS2 version (try to find a LS2BMKIIR).
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Martin Colloms has tested most of these in various magazines and rates them as follows: LS15, 25 points, LS2, 25 points, LS22, 30 points, LS3b, 25 points LS7 28 points. For comparison he gives the SP10 11 points. See the HIFICRITIC web site for explanation of rating system and other ratings.
satch
329 posts
 
I own the LS-2. Great amp, responds well to tube-rolling and should be available for much less than your budget.
eee3
214 posts
 
The LS-2 cannot be considered a tube preamp as it only has one tube. It is considered more of a hybrid. It does however sound very good particularly the mkII version. The LS-15 is also a good performer and can be made better with a good quad of Nos tubes. But the LS-22 will give you more of a tube sound as it has eight tubes and is the best of the three. Sometimes they can be found here on the Gon for around $1500-$1700 but not very often.
wavetrader OP
260 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I came across a website SACDmods that does upgrades on ARC....anybody have experience with them? The LS22 looks to be a good choice...to upgrade....I will explore further.
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