We recently purchased a new Audio Research LS26 from a highly recommended dealer in Austin, Texas (Mark Lyon of Audio System). The amp now has almost 100 hours booked. Out of the box, the LS26 superceded the demo of a LS25MKII that we had for almost a month (courtesy of Goodwin's High End in Waltham, Ma...thank you, Paul. We did purchase the demo 150.2 from Goodwin's). Please allow me to emphasize that the LS26 was the superior preamp choice in our room and with equipment, without investing the more dollars required by the highend Classe or Audio Research (Reference 3). Actual performance may vary depending on equipment synergy and room dynamics, as many here at audiogon are aware.
With almost 100 hours on the LS26, it is without reservation that we state that it is a brilliant preamp. A formal review will follow after 200 hours. For your reference, associated equipment include:
Audio Research 150.2 amp -- demo, purchased in Feb. 2007 (Goodwin's)
Wilson Audio Sophia Series 2 loudspeakers -- demo, purchased 10/2006 local dealer
Audio Research Phono Preamp PH5 -- purchased August 2006
Late model purchase of Linn LP 12 Sondek/Cirkus/Trampolin turntable
Linn LVII tonearm -- purchased used from local dealer
Lyra Argo i Cartridge -- purchased new from local dealer (late 05/ early 06)
Linn Lingo PS -- purchased new from local dealer (late 05/early 06)
Cardas Cross XLR interconnect, 1.0 m -- demo, purchased from local dealer
Cardas Golden Cross XLR -- demo -- purchased early 2007, 1.0m
Cardas Golden Reference Power Cable -- demo -- purchased 2007, 6 ft
TG Audio SLVR Power Cable, 5 ft., originally purchased new from manufacturer (while Bob Crump was alive)
Shunyata Hydra 4 Power Conditioning
We highly recommend the Audio Research LS26 preamp for all of those in the market for a new preamp. It supercedes many that we demo'd including many name brands (McIntosh, Audio Research LS25MKII, Classe, etc).
mcrheist
