Used Audio Research Preamp Options

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.

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.

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

Sorry - ARC Ref 10.

For that sort of $, I would expect no less....Fortunately the closest ARC dealer is about 50 miles away from me so I'm somewhat guarded from completely destroying my enjoyment from my current system...