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Aesthetix Calypso vs ARC LS25 MK2


Looking for insight from folk's who have compared these two pre's either head to head
in the same system (preferably) or experience with both in different systems.

I'm not looking at any other pre's at this time,
so please don't muddy up the thread with other pre's I should consider.

Thanks in advance...
perfectionist
gmorris
351 posts
 
The long awaited ARC LS26 is now available.
Reports are that it exceeds the Ref2 MKII musically.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Gmorris
, the ARC web site does not mention LS26 as yet. Can you share more info. .. technical, pricing, etc. . . Is there a link to more info?
gmorris
351 posts
 
Guido:

Apart from the information received directly from ARC the only web information is at the site below:

http://www.arcdb.ws/LS26/LS26.html
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Gmorris
. Not too many specifics for the LS26 on the ARCDB site yet. There is confirmation that the design is derived and scaled down from Ref 3. There are only 2 6H30 dual triods: this probably means that the PS may be solid state. The display of the LS26 is smaller than the Ref 3 but otherwise functionally similar. Same two temporary contact rotary dials for volume and function selector. Six soft-buttons instead of the four found on Ref 3. If I recall correctly, LS26 is a fully balanced design running in class A with 0 feedback. The blurb suggest the sound/staging/imaging is closely related to Ref 3 but on a smaller scale. Price is $5995 or thereabouts.
mikesinger
572 posts
 
recently picked a arc ls-25mk2.... and it is anything but booooorrrrriiinnnngggg (yawn)......

it is Extremely neutral, dynamic (hugh!!), and transparent. the 6h30 is a really neutral tube (you will love it or hate it) you can buy them at a fair cost vs nos 6922's...

as usual the unit benefits from a proper power cord, tube dampers, and isolation..
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