2. amps-preamps
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Recapping an ARC LS-5 mkiii

So I have done an exhaustive Internet search on this, and have some answers (but not all).

Every piece of audio gear I have from the 80's and 90's has had some sort of issue and needed mods and/or repairs. Some of this wasn't audible, but showed up when the equipment was put on a test bench.

Every piece of classic/vintage equipment I have (Aragon, Sonic Frontiers, Audio Research) has been updated except for my LS-5 mkiii preamp. With ARC gear, I know lots of people tend to think of them like classic cars and look down anything ARC didn't do originally.

At the same time, I know ARC offers a Stealth Cap upgrade (roughly $800 IIRC) and I also know Steven Huntley at GNSC used to modify ARC gear (including the LS-5), but I can't really find anything out there on what that process involved.

I am interested in getting the Stealth Caps done, however, outside of that, I don't want to change the sound signature too dramatically (like shoehorning an LS V8 motor into a Mazda RX-7). I'm sure there are some gains to be made (Rel Caps to Infinicaps?), but want to make sure I do things the right way.

BTW, the preamp sounds good (to me), but as I've learned, that doesn't always mean it would test completely within spec.

Thanks in advance.

atlvalet
triode12's avatar
triode12
25 posts
 

Changing coupling caps isn’t modding if you are changing caps with the same values. I did that with my ARC LS5 Mk2 by an ARC authorised tech local to me. Changed the caps to TRT Dynamicaps which greatly improved the SQ.

Modding is when you change the value of the caps to something else or other components on the PCB or PSU to different values.

atlvalet OP
46 posts
 

Ah, okay. Thanks.

Think I have settled on what I’m going to do.

On the LS-5 mkiii it looks there is 1 output cap and 2 bypass caps per channel. Going to upgrade each output cap to a Stealthcap and upgrade the bypass caps to Dynamicaps. (That will still be in the "voicing" that ARC uses since their REF stuff gets Stealthcaps and Dynamicaps are made by TRT as well).

Then I’ll let the tech replace anything else that is out of spec (I’ll ship to Pyramid Audio, who resurrected my D400 mkii, which ARC now calls "unserviceable").

djohn
64 posts
 

@atlvalet  Look up Scott Frankland Associates in San Jose, CA

He just changed 16 Caps in my LS5 MKIII and it was worth every penny.

Sonic difference was Outstanding!

atlvalet OP
46 posts
 

Thanks @djohn. Scott looks EXACTLY like the kinda guy I want tweaking my equipment.

Also, would love to see pics of the work in this thread and what exactly was replaced with what.

Glad to hear you feel the differences were noticeable.

djohn
64 posts
 

@atlvalet For Audio Research and or any Tube Electronics, Scott Frankland is your kinda guy.

As a Heads Up, only Scott Frankland touches my Gear. He has totally Rebuilt my Classic 60 Amp which I have owned since New, and now the LS5 MKIII.

Call Scott since the LS5 MKIII is in the Rack, and it is not going anywhere right now :-).

Tell him David L. sent you.

 

 

 

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