Audio Research LS 12 Preamp Characteristics?

I have had mine for about 6 years now. Previous pre amp was a Threshold SL-10. Have listened to a number of pre amps over the years and there are very few that are as musical as the LS-12 and fewer yet that are more musical.I use the ARC PH3SE phono stage. What amazes me is the bottom octave. It is solid. So my comments differ a little bit from the above on the bass. I like this combo very very much. I will give SMC's line stage a chance sometime in the future but thats about it. Have always liked ARC pre amps over the years.

Bobgates, I can't think of anyone who would complain, especially if they were a hog in heaven.

Now, exploring opinions of those with long term experience with the unit is another story. There was one person who never owned the piece and reported hearsay from "other people" who had the piece.

Many opinions are formed without a proper break in, wrong impedence matching, or poor speaker placement. Some folks who are at the upper midfi level may experience a certain starter hi-end piece & may think it seems like God's gift to audio, when in fact it is just the at the doorstep to greatness.

One example of negative opinions without proper break in is the Cary 303/300 CD player. If folks go on only 1 or 2 opinions they can miss the boat on a good opportunity.

Conversely, some folks contribute to Audiogon Chats who have a business agenda hoping to lure folks to buy certain gear.

Levchappy - I just purchased an LS12 here on Audiogon and I should be receiving it within the next week or so. Now I will have the opportunity to actually hear this unit in my own system and will be able to give you a much better idea of how this preamp compares to others I have owned.

Bobgates

Congradulations on winning. I'd like to hear from others.

I have had my LS-12 in the system for about a year now and I couldn't be happier. It was a tad edgy on some recordings, but with the addition of a tube cd player it is near perfect now.
I agree with what Etbaby has stated above.
This preamp will hold me over until I can afford that LS-26