ARC LS26 versus Cary SLP-05

Given the acclaim here for the LS26. I would ask how many of those proponents for it use it with SS amps, as your intention is to do just that?

I'm sure not ragging here on the mentions, just bringing this up as none have said they pair their 26 with SS + panels.

For myself, the whole deal is a mix with a desired end result. If pure tube sound with speed and resolution are key for you, more so than full remote control functionality, I'd look for a Thor TA 1000 MK II for just over half of that $4K tag, or less, and as some have said, "Never look back". 4 tubes... outboard power supply... and remote vol. outstanding sound, regardless the genre, with SS or tube. Albeit without trying Maggies on the end, I can only speculate there, but it has tons of speed, and harmonic truth.

I found it superior to the Better CJ models, C5, C6, and Cary 05. I've not heard the AR. Functionality is limited. Mark Michelson had one and only traded for a sideways step by going with a VTL 7.5, saying the 7.5 wasn't truly better, just different, and had more remote functionality... source switching, phase, on/off...

Given the 7.5's entry fee and rep, that is saying something.

if truly balanced operation is desired and not psuedo balanced, the BAT vk51SE are super preamps according to the owners I've spoken with privately. it also is fully functioning via remote.

A VAC ren MK II or Jotis preamps could do well for you too. I've seen them in that range before.

I've just added an LS-26 to my system, running it into a 150.2. Simply fantastic. I would echo what has been said here and elsewhere--the LS-26 is a beautifully made, well designed, great sounding preamp. Having said that, I have found that pairing components from like manufacturers has it's benefits and so would advise you to look carefully at the Cary.

I am surprised by the landslide voting results thus far! I figured more would say that both are great but for "synergy" get the Cary or some such. Also, the 05 is Cary's top of the line compared to the LS26 which is one down from ARC's top. I guess that most feel that the LS26 really does represent a value for its price and can hang in there with the heavy weights. A reference 3 would be even better, I guess, but I think the price is a tad high for me. I have read that a new Reference model might be coming--perhaps at CES, but this is just conjecture. Perhaps I should hold off a couple of weeks and see as that might influence the market for second hand Ref 3's....

I was wondering how many of the LS26 fans have spent time comparing it to the Cary 05, and why they like the LS26 so much more?
I have heard the Cary in a Cary system and the music was very good.

I have an all-Cary front end (CD 306, SLP-05, CAD-211AE) and at times I have felt that the music has a bit too much "Cary-ness". I have managed to dry up the sound a bit by tube rolling, so the balance now is close to where I want it. Depending on the balance of your system, you may suffer the same problem if you get the SLP-05. You decide whether you want your system to have more of that Cary sound or less :)

By the way - are you running balanced I/C's? My system made a vast improvement going from RCA to XLR. So much more dynamic. I can't speak for the LS26, but if you get the SLP-05, make sure you run it balanced.

Cheers and Merry Xmas to you :)