Honestly, in your price range I think you would be better served getting a tubed integrated amp. Look for a used PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP, or Cary SLI-80. With your speakers I think you would probably need the 80 wpc in Ultralinear, but if your room is small enough, maybe you could use the triode mode,
I’ve owned the ARC LS-7, and it’s not a very good preamp to be honest.
Integrated amps get a bad rap sometimes, but they really do give you more bang for the buck in your price range and even much higher.
I’m currently running a VAC Sigma 160i integrated amp, which lists for $10K, and handily beat the $20K of separates that I replaced with it.
Not only is an integrated amp more bang for the buck, but it’s one less power cord and pair of interconnects to buy too.
Personally, I wouldn't head into the separates market unless I was looking to spend over $30K.
Cheers,
John
I’ve owned the ARC LS-7, and it’s not a very good preamp to be honest.
Integrated amps get a bad rap sometimes, but they really do give you more bang for the buck in your price range and even much higher.
I’m currently running a VAC Sigma 160i integrated amp, which lists for $10K, and handily beat the $20K of separates that I replaced with it.
Not only is an integrated amp more bang for the buck, but it’s one less power cord and pair of interconnects to buy too.
Personally, I wouldn't head into the separates market unless I was looking to spend over $30K.
Cheers,
John