Hello Tom,
Long time LS5 fan here as you know. The ARC PH2, the only balanced ARC phono stage, was excellent. I had one for 7 years and it is perhaps the one ARC piece that people heard very little about but which held its own to rest of ARC's top line. It is solid state which makes it maintenance free and an awesome match to the LS5. I would say that the PH2 was the most neutral ARC product I ever owned.
Keep in mind, with the PH2, you will need a balanced phono cable. SilverAudio can do this with their SilverBreeze cable. And this is an awesome cable....mush much more resolution and top end extension than the ARC balanced phono cable that I started with when I got the PH2/LS5.
Also, for 18 years I had the LP12/Ittok combination. But once I changed to a Clearaudio based system, I realized how much more bass was on my LPs as well as a wealth of low level information all across the frequency band. If I were to buy a used TT in the LP12's price range, I'd look at the Townshend, Sota, VPI, Michel, Oracle or Well Tempered. I think you just get more for your money with any of these vs the Linn. This ought to stir up the Linnies' blood pressure!
Tjbearman......ARC PH4?????? When did this ever come out? I am only aware of the PH1, PH2, PH3, PH3SE and Ref Phono. By the way, the PH1 is exc value too with it selling here now and then for $500....but it is single ended so you will not get the full benefit of the balanced world that a cartridge can offer and the LS5 as well. The PH3 was way too forward and fatiguing for me. Your mileage may vary. I never heard the others.
One other thing, consider the BAT VK-P5 phono stage.
John
Long time LS5 fan here as you know. The ARC PH2, the only balanced ARC phono stage, was excellent. I had one for 7 years and it is perhaps the one ARC piece that people heard very little about but which held its own to rest of ARC's top line. It is solid state which makes it maintenance free and an awesome match to the LS5. I would say that the PH2 was the most neutral ARC product I ever owned.
Keep in mind, with the PH2, you will need a balanced phono cable. SilverAudio can do this with their SilverBreeze cable. And this is an awesome cable....mush much more resolution and top end extension than the ARC balanced phono cable that I started with when I got the PH2/LS5.
Also, for 18 years I had the LP12/Ittok combination. But once I changed to a Clearaudio based system, I realized how much more bass was on my LPs as well as a wealth of low level information all across the frequency band. If I were to buy a used TT in the LP12's price range, I'd look at the Townshend, Sota, VPI, Michel, Oracle or Well Tempered. I think you just get more for your money with any of these vs the Linn. This ought to stir up the Linnies' blood pressure!
Tjbearman......ARC PH4?????? When did this ever come out? I am only aware of the PH1, PH2, PH3, PH3SE and Ref Phono. By the way, the PH1 is exc value too with it selling here now and then for $500....but it is single ended so you will not get the full benefit of the balanced world that a cartridge can offer and the LS5 as well. The PH3 was way too forward and fatiguing for me. Your mileage may vary. I never heard the others.
One other thing, consider the BAT VK-P5 phono stage.
John