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Question for ARC line stage owners

I am trying to determine when ARC started to install IEC connectors on their LS models. As close as I can determine it started around 1997 or 1998. Here is what I have been able to put together so far. It seems that some latter LS15's have it and the early ones don't. Some LS 8's have it and some don't. LS8 mkII's do have it. All the LS7's I have seen don't have. The REF 1's don't. Current LS units like the 16 and 25, and REF 2 I already know have the IEC from the factory. Please tell me if I have this wrong.

I also would like some feedback on when ARC started to install the InfiniCaps in the LS series from the factory?

I am thinking of trading my SP for an LS. I have been toying with the idea of going all digital and won't need the phono section. It may also be an opportunity to go balanced throughout my system. Again, LS 7,8 are single ended. LS 15's are both. and I assume that all of the current stuff is both SE & balanced.

Any thoughts on what other ARC owners felt about the advantages of going balanced in terms of sound are also welcomed. If I decide I don't need to go balanced I can always install an IEC and some InfiniCaps, or the new DynamiCaps in an LS7 and have a nice sounding line stage for a modest price.

If I could I would just buy a REF or a 25 kII but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon. Give me your thoughts.
maxgain
bluefin
111 posts
 
Infinite cap on my LS-15 makes the mid more open and liquid. Using Siemens tube also makes the high smoother and deeper bass. Balance in/out in LS-15 sounds better than SE.
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Maxgain

tube warmup isn't too bad on the LS-5
The sound is pretty good right off and really settles quickly.
After an hour you get about 95% of the way there.
I generally come home, turn on the amp and play music then or withing the hour. No long leaving things on unless it's the weekend and I'm home.
mrderrick
292 posts
 
I bought a "trade in" ls-15 from my local ARC dealer. It was made late in 1996. It has the IEC cord, InfiCaps and had the black rubber tube dampers. The balanced direct input is the best sounding. I will add that 60's Amperex Holland Bugle Boys in positions V1 and V2, followed by 60's Amperex 6922 PQ's in V3 and V4, sounds pretty damn good!
captpenny
23 posts
 
I would go balanced as it is a better connection as well as quieter. I had Infinicaps installed in 1997 as an upgrade to the VT130. With the mods you suggest, you may be very happy as spending a lot of money for a certain nuance in sound doesn't make sense. For example, the Russian 6H23 is an incredible improvement over the stock 6922s for little money. With experimentation, you can taylor most ARC gear to your liking. As far as IECs, call Leonard at ARC. He can answer any questions you ask.
warddorrity's avatar
warddorrity
10 posts
 
Hi, Catpenny -

I will second your observation on the substitution of 6H23s for 6922s - they make a substantial difference for the approx $200 cost (vendor: Upscale Audio). For my LS22r, this meant improved transparency, smoother top end and more liquid midrange. Bass seemd mre defined as well. Having said that, I still get the best results when I bypass the preamp altogether, running an Accuphase DP-75 directly into a Pass X350 via balanced lines. The improvement in tonal texture, sound stage and definition is nothing short of astonishing.
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