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Mcintosh vs. Audio Research tube preamps

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare, say, Audio Research LS25 with a Mac C22 original or commemorative? They have very similar values on the used market and I was curious as to anyone's perspective. Or say the LS25 (i or ii) and an MX110. I suppose I would expect to hear that the vintage Mac stuff is warmer with more rolled frequencies, but I'd love to get a first-hand impression from somebody. The LS25 mark 1 is also supposedly tube-euphonic, as well. It's a good topic for the old database!
todds7
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the c22 commemorative is superb in every way, and the newer c220 and c2200 as well. i wouldn't describe them (or the arc's) as anything but neutral however...not like a cj or the holy grail, marantz 7.
dfhaleycko
178 posts
 
I had a C20 for thirty years -- has very nearly the same circuit as the C22. Also owned an ARC for a few years, but it was an LS17. I agree with Jaybo that they are both more neutral than the cj's or many other vintage pre's. To my ears, the mac was more euphonic, and easier to listen to, but probably less transparent (or maybe it was just aging).

Just another data point. Given the choice, I'd go for the Mac, but I like the Mac house sound more than I like the ARC house sound.

HTH
todds7 OP
18 posts
 
I'll never forget years ago hearing the ARC SP11 in a high-end store when it first came out. I don't remember the amps, but the speakers were Maggies. It sounded as if you were hearing live music through an open window, so open and transparent was the sound. There was little or no bass, but such openness and transparency I've rarely heard since. The spacial dimension was remarkable.

My gut reaction is that vintage Macs are more colorful, the ARCs more accurate. I'm interested in a blend of the two, and I suspect that the SP25 mark 1 would be a good contender. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to chime in. Thanks again for your thoughts.
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