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Review: Audio Research LS-25 mkII Tube preamp

Category: Preamps

I compared the ARC LS-25 MKII to the BAT VK-30SE (which I own) at a dealer with the noted associated equipment. I was suprised to hear the difference in the preamps. The ARC was slightly more refined, better bass definition and a lot more dynamic that the BAT. The BAT seemed to limit and constrain dynamic swings especially soft to loud sounds of drums and a Hammond B3 organ. Again I heard it but would not have believed it unless I heard it in direct comparision. But there it was. I was never an ARC fan. I had compared the BAT to the older LS-22 a year or so ago and the BAT was smoother and more way more refined. The LS-22 had a poor high frequency sound as noted in the Stereophile review of this preamp many years ago.

So the ARC outpreformed the BAT in the areas stated above.

Associated gear
ARC CD-3, Plinius 102 (newest model) amp, B&W 802N speakers.

Similar products
BAT VK-30SE
bigkidz
markone-1840
1 posts
 
Good review. More so as I also own a SA102 power amp.
I'm looking to up-grade my preamp, so I was interested in your review. The ARC-Plinius combo works well then? I'm curious to know if you use it in balanced mode. I've got ARC on my short list. My cd player is slightly different: Wadia 301. What cables are you using? Cheers, Mark.
jetstream
30 posts
 
I have been using this pre-amp for the last 4 months extensively connected to both an Arcam FMJ DV-27 and Marantz SA-14 as digital sources. Cables are Cardas Golden Reference from Players to Pre and Harmonic Tech. Pro Silway MK IIs XLRs to a Mcintosh MC352 SS amp and finally MIT M2 Magnum new generation bi-wire speaker cables to B&W Nautilus 802s.

The LS-25 mkII sounds awesome!
twitch54
4 posts
 
as afollow-up to "markone', I too own the Plinius SA-102 and this past spring mated up the new ARC LS-26 and couldn't be happier. I've been an ARC guy for twenty years, had a modded(Steve Huntley) SP-9mkII that was a sweetie ! One thing to be aware of..... because of the price point of the new LS-26, Ref2's and LS-25's can be had even at better $$$ now !
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