2. amps-preamps
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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
glide3
402 posts
 
Not sure about synergy with your system but the thor is a very good unit
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
celery - thanks for the tips on tubes

do you have a mkii or mkiii?

I have a mkii and it works fine with single ended cables using adapter clips. No need to spend gobs of money on a bl1 or 2 and more interconnects as long as your cables are 2 meters or less.

I am just astounded at the LS5's resoliving power and the way notes hang and decay so naturally. Even on recordings that were made a little bright. I'm an acoustic guitar and bass player and the musicality of the ls5 is just so right. Too bad I missed buying your second 5 celery, I recall seeing it and writing you but the funds were not there then.

I demo'd the Ref 1, not the same ballgame - it seemed more restrained, less musically involving.

anyway Chazmo - try an ls5 with your setup and you won't be taking the preamp out of it!
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
chazmo

definitely stay away from the LS25 or 22

the only arc amps outside reference that could handle long runs (5 meters) are the LS2 and LS5
these were designed when mono blocks near speakers were all the rage
after that they went cheap on the power transformers
and were caught up in the home theatre bypasses and skimped big time on the power supply. And you can hear the results!
rec
328 posts
 
I have to disagree about the LS25 Mark 11. I recently auditioned the Reference 11 and the LS25 in my system. I found the LS25 very close in sound to the Ref.11 at a considerable less cost. The LS25 is not a all tube design and has a less tube sound than many AR preamps and in my system was very transparant. Of course this is all very subjective and system dependent. I used a Jeff Rowland Model 10 amp with the LS25 and thought it was a good match. I bought the LS25 and have been very happy with it. I would at least try it in your system to see if it works for you. It should be a great match with the AR amp and phono. Good luck.
gregm
3,399 posts
 
Another choice could be the CAT Ultimate (or the earlier III). Dynamics, rythm, transient attack and resolution are all good -- but, musicality is its strength.
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