2. amps-preamps
  3. 126147-80275

Used Audio Research Preamp Options

Before I pose my question, I do admit that I expect mixed responses since the question is somewhat subjective. That been said, I think I have pushed myself into an obsession to own an Audio Research preamp. I know there are better preamps out there for the money and I might ultimately overcome this obsession but I'd like to hear from folks who have owned different ARC preamp's over the years about their personal experiences. So here is my question: if you had $2500 to spend, which used ARC preamp would you buy? A line stage component would be fine, tube or SS. I'm also making an assumption which may not be completely valid and that is any of these preamps will be an upgrade from my NAD C165BEE. Any comments will be appreciated here too. My other components are McIntosh MC2200 (100K impedance) and a Vincent SP-331 ( 47K impedance,150w in 8 ohm/300w 4 ohm) amplifiers. Not sure if speakers matter- ML Aerius, Def. Tech. BP20 since I'm also looking for an upgrade route there too. Thanks.

128x128kalali
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

Thank you. Interestingly enough, I did see that (new) LS17SE and it looked like a great deal but didn't see it as one of the models folks mentioned. No doubt its a great unit and glad to see it going to a good home. I also found an LS25 MK2 from a reputable dealer and almost pulled the trigger until I did the direct input experiment and liked the outcome.

I'll look for the thread mentioned above to see what folks say but I can already expect to hear divided inputs. I actually remember seeing some ARC models have a "direct" button which I guess gives the option to bypass the preamp altogether. It is however interesting to hear that see people actually do prefer the preamp in the chain. I'm sure like everything else, it all depends on the specifications of the source and the amp as well as the quality/length of the interconnects. In my case, I couldn't find any specs for either my CD player or the Bluesound but a low 0.775mV input sensitivity for the amp and using a very short distance - 0.5m, between the components are helping with the gain.

 

nmolnar
43 posts
 
You may want to do some further reading on the pros and cons of a preamp vs. direct connection. One approach is a passive line stage, i.e. a device which provides basic input switching, volume controls and outputs but no amplification of the signal.

See the below link for a further and lengthy discussion on this and other approaches to removing a preamp from the chain.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Linestages.html

Another approach I have tried with the Mytek Brooklyn DAC is to use it for a preamp, removing the ARC LS-17SE from the chain. This DAC has the necessary setup (volume controls, etc.) to allow for this approach. Although it sounded pretty good, I reverted back to using the ARC LS-17SE as  it had more inputs and a more natural soundstage and warmth. I suppose I could live with the Brooklyn DAC as a preamp but since I have the ARC unit I will periodically experiment with it vs. the DAC as a preamp.
I am not aware of any ARC preamps which allow a complete bypass of their circuitry, only a home theater processor button such as on the LS-17SE which allows for a bypass of it's volume control to allow a separate home theater processor to control the volume.
Although in theory removing things from the audio chain should improve sound, in practice this may not always be the case.
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
I read about the "direct" option when researching some of the older ARC models like LS3. According to ARC, the Direct mode provides the highest level of resolution when using high gain line stage components such as CD players, etc. Not sure if it acts as a passive preamp or not. I'm sure there are folks who know this model and can comment.
rspyder
98 posts
 
I had the ARC 40th Anniversary Edition and now have the ARC Ref.  If there is a better preamp, then I haven't heard it.  I was at the Munich Hi End Show in May and had the pleasure of listening to some stellar pre's.  Still put ARC at the top.  In short, your obsession may simply be good taste.  Enjoy.

Ray
rspyder
98 posts
 
Sorry - ARC Ref 10.
More to discover