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Which ARC Linestage?

I am considering selling my SP16 and going with preamp separates to run with my 150.2. Unfortunately, a LS26 is out of reach and I'm not sure the LS17 is going to get me where I want to go. Are there any standout linestages from ARC's back product catalogue I should consider? Which of those from the LS-5 forward (if any) can really stand up to the best of what is currently out there--or at least would be better than the LS-17 or my SP16? I would run the phono with either a GNSC modified PH5 or PH3. Am I moving in the right direction? Should I even consider a SP17?

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
tweak1
3,667 posts
 
I did not like the 2B at all. Dump the pre all together. Get a Raysinic 168 CD player and use the variable tube outs. IT'S THAT GOOD!
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I've got a SP-6B with unbelievable phono stage. This will keep up with anything new.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
The LS-10 is a killer linestage. It is the best solid state pre AR ever made, hands down. Sold for $5k new, can be had for about $2k today, but they only resurface a couple of times a year here on the 'Gon. Pitch black background that is downright spooky. I've owned it on three separate occasions. I kept going back to it....only the Ref3 kept me from buying it again. You don't hear much about it here on the 'Gon, but it is a real winner.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,404 posts
 
Anyone have the chance to compare the LS25 with the LS25MkII? It seems the MkII is using the same (2) 6H30 set up as the LS26, which would appear to be a step forward. How might either of these units compare with the new LS17?
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I owned the ARC LS25, Ref 2 MKI and MKII and the LS26 as well as the Ref 3. Overall, the original LS25 with the 6922 tubes was the most natural sounding of them all. The LS25MKII was less involving as well upon demo vs the original. Many high end preamp designers have revisited the 6922 sound and have agreed it to be a more musical tube vs the 6H30...curse you Victor!!
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