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Which ARC Linestage?

I am considering selling my SP16 and going with preamp separates to run with my 150.2. Unfortunately, a LS26 is out of reach and I'm not sure the LS17 is going to get me where I want to go. Are there any standout linestages from ARC's back product catalogue I should consider? Which of those from the LS-5 forward (if any) can really stand up to the best of what is currently out there--or at least would be better than the LS-17 or my SP16? I would run the phono with either a GNSC modified PH5 or PH3. Am I moving in the right direction? Should I even consider a SP17?

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
eee3
214 posts
 
LS-25 mkII, the only thing better is the reference 3 and LS-26. I did not mention the reference 2 mkII because the 26 is better and around the same price.
mothra
110 posts
 
well on the cheap side, the sp-14 fet stage was the sleeper. It didn't have that bloated weird sound some of the lower line (and even some upper) arc stages had.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
The LS-25 6922 version was and is one of their best ever and a steal on the second hand market.
scousepasty
106 posts
 
It may seem little like madness - as I now own a Ref 3 but I think the LS2B was a great sounding line stage. Not many features but a had great soundstage and control [grip] on the music where the late LS's get a bit loose IMO in exchange for a softening of the brightness of the LS2.
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