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ARC LS26 versus Cary SLP-05

I am trying to figure out a preamp for a system that I am putting together. While I know I may have to do some selling and swapping to get the right fit, I am trying to minimize the amount of that I have to do. Here is the system: Magnepan 20.1 (on order), Cary 500MB (500w/ch solid state monoblocks), Cary 306 Professional SACD/CD player, and amp tbd. I have a local ARC dealer (from whom I am buying the Maggies) who can arrange an in house tryout for an ARC LS17 as he has that in stock, but not the 26 which seems like is universally praised. I do like the sound of the LS17 as I heard it being fed by a dcs stack ($50,000!). Anyway, I listen to primarily classical (all sorts) with some jazz thrown in. I have extensive experience in live classical music performance (as a participant) and value sound that is musical, lifelike, not harsh in the highs, and with a realistic soundstage (one of the main attractions of the maggies). Price seems about equal for these two units on the used market. I could buy a Cary, audition an LS17, and sell the Cary if I liked the ARC better, but then I would feel guilty not buying from the ARC dealer and, of course, then the LS26 would be more $$. Anyway, thanks for any thoughts.
luvwine
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
LS26 for sure:)
rgd
656 posts
 
get the LS-26. I auditioned the 17, 26 and ref 3 and while I would have dearly loved the ref 3 the LS-26 won out do to budget restraints. My buddies and I felt the 26 was well worth the extra money over the 17.
0thd
22 posts
 
What will prevent me from buying less than the LS26 is the beautiful front panel. It's similar to the Ref3 which I like very much. I know the panel has nothing to do with the sound but I like ergonomics and aesthetics too. The LS26 and Ref3 have those plus great sound in spades.
homosapien's avatar
homosapien
70 posts
 
Both of them are great preamplifier, and have their own house sound. I had a chance to compare LS-17 and Cary SLP-98 "A" to "B", and found ARC sound a little bit dry and analytical to my taste, Cary is more sweet. I ended up with Cary SLP-05 from Audiogon.
I'd suggest to find a way to audition both (not necessarily in your house).
I can not give you advice about money and your dealing with dealers.
BTW, what did you do with your EAD? My Ovation in the attic now.
luvwine OP
44 posts
 
Well, I actually have two EAD's, an Ovation and a Noble Electronics modded classic Signature with a gold front. I am debating which EAD to sell and the other will be upstairs with the surround sound five channel (Vienna Acoustics Beethoven mains)and TV setup. The Ovation is less good sonically, but it uses conventional remote options and thus it can be programmed into our universal remote. The Signature uses the old heavy black remote that for whatever reason cannot be programmed into a universal remote. My wife likes the convenience of the universal remote, and for HT, the sound is less crucial than for stereo. I really think that the Signature is a terrific sounding unit and makes for a nearly ideal combination HT/stereo piece. Still, it will not process anything higher than DTS and HDCD formats and has no analog pass throughs to allow SACD resolution or the new DD/DTS formats either. Thus, while a classic unit, it is a bit limiting since I want to explore SACD, 24/96 and 24/192 audio and cannot do that on the EAD. I will compare the EAD Signature with the new units on red label to see how it holds up. Do you know Greg Palma at Noble Electronics? He is a great guy and a fabulous resource for all things EAD.
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