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Preamp dilemma...

Just sold my Audio Research LS15 to upgrade preamp. System is:

Basis 2001/Graham 2.2/MBenz m.09
Arcam Alpha 9 CD
AR PH3
AR VT100MkII
ProAc 2.5's

I've been pleased, just looking for improved soundstage, dynamics; if I had to choose, I would say I would better tolerate some warmth in the system, but still want detail. Love nothing more than being drawn into the music. Listen to vinyl/CD about 60/40.

Preamps on the list:

AR LS25MkII
Thor TA-1000
SF Line3
Joule LA100

I have a fairly long IC run to the amp (5 meters), but I'm hearing that balanced vs. single-ended isn't the silver bullet it was once thought to be, as evidenced by many high-end units only being made w/SE outs. My big concern is compatibility with the VT100MkII and the PH3, since there's no way I'm going to be able to audition many of these. Opinions on these (or is there a glaring omission that would work here?)
chazmo
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I just upgraded to an arc ls5

hands down the best arc amp except for the ref 2!
it was more revealing than a ref 1 in a comparison

and has brought musicality to my system in a very involving way

I had an LS2 mk ii before this

Tom
celery
33 posts
 
The LS5 whether MK 2 or 3 is wonderful. I have to agree with audiotomb. One of the best Pre's ever made...accurate but great bloom. Tough to find. Downside...takes 10 6922's to work. If you like NOS tubes it can cost a fortune to run (mine is tubed with Amperex gold pin 7308's). The sound is heavenly. Good luck in your search.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
From your post, I presume that you want to buy another tube preamp. If so, then you need to add the appropriate model of Conrad-Johnson preamp to your list.

If you are willing to consider some other preamps that are a bit less well known, you should also include the Hovland 100, which has gotten some outstanding critical reviews.
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Celery

glad to know I am not alone in the ls5 endorsements

I can't afford a ref2 but i sure enjoy my ls5
it makes music so so involving!
the decay of the notes is heavenly

what tubes have you used on it besides the amperexs?
I am using the russian soltexs (came with it)
and have two damper rings per tube ($80 for that)

I would love to get a mk iii for single ended stuff
but the mk ii with cheater plugs works wonderfully

what do you think of the bl-2 rca to xlr boxes???

anyway CHAZMO, I am not trying to divert your thread

don't buy an LS22 or LS25, they don't have the magic of the LS5. Unless you are willing to modify them substantially.
Why arc would skimp when the ls5 was such a gem is beyond me

look at the resale values and it's obvious
or look at the lack of available LS5's on the market

tom
chazmo OP
9 posts
 
LS5 MkII/III actually was on my list originally, but I was a bit put off by balanced in's only... I've heard that the BL-1 (plus extra interconnect) is NOT a good thing; does the MkIII have SE also?
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