Jafant...
I've had 2 Audio Research preamps in the past, an LS2b hybrid and an LS 3 solid state. I'm pretty much as big a fan of their preamps as I am of Pass Labs/First Watt Amps which, as you know, I've been heaping praise upon all over this thread.
Pass SS mated with ARC hybrid/tubed preamps are very well suited for one another.
IMHO Audio Research preamps are more "eager" than my B. A. T. is, although both are equally excellent. I may be buying another ARC listed here simply because...well, we all know THAT reason.
Also, I've seen a lot of nice ARC preamps here at very reasonable prices from 100% positive members. Like Thiel, preowned ARC's can be a relative bargain considering their quality.
I'm going to wager that your search will end up with at least ONE of my personal faves and I will do an Irish jig when that happens.
Takers, anyone?
I've had 2 Audio Research preamps in the past, an LS2b hybrid and an LS 3 solid state. I'm pretty much as big a fan of their preamps as I am of Pass Labs/First Watt Amps which, as you know, I've been heaping praise upon all over this thread.
Pass SS mated with ARC hybrid/tubed preamps are very well suited for one another.
IMHO Audio Research preamps are more "eager" than my B. A. T. is, although both are equally excellent. I may be buying another ARC listed here simply because...well, we all know THAT reason.
Also, I've seen a lot of nice ARC preamps here at very reasonable prices from 100% positive members. Like Thiel, preowned ARC's can be a relative bargain considering their quality.
I'm going to wager that your search will end up with at least ONE of my personal faves and I will do an Irish jig when that happens.
Takers, anyone?