2. amps-preamps
  3. 1392960255

Audio Research pre-amps?

Hello,

I have an Audio Research LS-3 pre-amp paired with McIntosh MC60 mono-blocks. I use an NAD 546BEE CD player and have Nola Boxer speakers on Skylan stands filled with floor dry. The cables are Kimber Heros and 4PRs...and I just added a REL T7 subwoofer.

Anyhoo...my latest thinking is that the system is a just a touch too bright...not much-just a little.

So my question is: I'd like to stick with an ARC pre-amp. Is there a model I should look for that might be a touch warmer? Maybe a tube version? Nothing too new and under $2000..$2500?

Thanks much,
Aaron
neo-luddite
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
If you haven't already done so, my suggestion is that before replacing anything you try the 4 ohm taps on the amplifiers, even though the speakers are nominally rated at 8 ohms.

I couldn't find an impedance vs. frequency curve for the Boxer, but small two-ways often have a significantly lower impedance at low frequencies than at high frequencies. If that is the case with the Boxer, using the 4 ohm taps of your MC60's will result in a less bright sound than using the 8 ohm taps.

Regards,
-- Al
neo-luddite OP
22 posts
 
Interesting Al...I'll give that a try. The cables are recent and I didn't notice a huge difference...maybe a little more bass?

Like I said before...it's just a touch bright....really nitpicking I think? I'm also a total novice.

Thanks for your help!

Aaron
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phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Try going analogue....problem solved!
roccl007's avatar
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roccl007
205 posts
 
Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS may be the way to a warm and sweet sound, or CJ premier ten or fourteen !!!
roccl007's avatar
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roccl007
205 posts
 
For a warm and sweet pre amp my suggestion will be to go on CONRAD JOHNSON side with a premier 17 LS , or a premier 14 or a premier 10. All in your price range……..
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