help me select a single tube to "calm down" a preamp?

Hi Ho there audio pilgrim-

There is only one tube present in an LS2B and the bad news is that no matter what NOS wonder tube you choose you will not be able to get rid of the LS2B's tendency to shout and get nasty on big dynamic swings. NOS tube rolling with the LS2B realized significant gains in air and soundstaging but never really solved the nasties. The problem must lay in some other part of the circuit. Even the direct input running balanced has this problem (unlike the LS5 and other more recent ARC linestages, the '2B isn't actually a true balanced circuit) The LS5 series3 was a huge improvement over the LS2B (and a much better piece than the LS22 & LS16) but offered no practical way to deal with single-ended inputs. I was almost wooed by the SF Line3SE, a really great linestage, but fell in love with the Aesthetix Callisto and it looks like this one is going to stick. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news re- your current pre. Save your dough. Go hunt down something with the LS2B's considerable virtues but without its fatal flaw. There is a recomendation for a couple of options. Happy listening

Although I am a full tube circuit (including power supply) person, I must say that my original LS-2 (1992), in the Direct mode only, with CD playback, and with MIT Cables to the Amp, did NOT exhibit any of the nasties that have been described above. The circuit, was one of the most Neutral ever made by ARC and was even used by Chesky(I believe)to monitor playback. I ultimately got rid of the LS-2 due to my tube bias, but it worked very well with Telefunken ECC88 Gold pin. I sometimes miss the Neutrality of the LS-2. I rate it high on the ARC list of SS/Hybrid performers.........Frank

I own an LS2 MKII and have similiar results with the slightly shrill top end. A friend of mine mentioned a Dutch tube that helped tame, not cure it. I auditioned an LS5 in my home and it just brought out the natural nature of the music in resounding colors. Incredible bottom end, silky smooth mids and revealing top end without the LS2 slight glare. I'll have to wait 6 months to get one,
can't wait.

Oh

I forgot to mention. If you are using a digital front end and have digital outs on your cd player or transport, the EVS Millenium II dac will really enhance the lower octaves, leave a natural shimmer and air and musicality to the midrange and remove all the digital harshness that contributes to the slightly shrill top end. It hasn't fully tamed it, but it sure lowered the edge and provided the musical lift as significant as going to the LS 5. Now I really can't wait for the pre amp upgrade.