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Meridian 568 v ARC Tube preamp for digital scource

My current set up is: Meridian 508.24/Meridian 568.1/ARC VT100 MkIII/Proac Response 2, running as a balanced system. In the current set up, I'm using the 568.1 as a 2 channel preamp. It gets a digital feed from the 508.24 and provides upsampling to 96MHz. On its own the 508.24 gives 24 bit processing, but no upsampling. I'm thinking of getting an ARC Line Stage with balanced connections (LS16, LS17) to replace the 568.1. Any comments about what I could expect from making this change and/or which ARC Line Stage is more suitable if I make the change?
roberts1897
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
In my system I had an 861 which I used as a DAC/PRE as you are, then added an ARC LS26 and found it to be a large improvement.

If you need a processor to serve as a 2-channel pre-amp I'd say Meridian is near the top of the heap, but it still falls well short of a dedicated 2-channel pre-amp in my experience.

What I gained? Improved sound-stage (width and especially depth) as well as texture - specifically in the midrange/vocals.

If you can being one home to compare I think you will find your answer quickly. Good luck with the search!
abramsmatch
61 posts
 
The ARC LS 17 is a very good pre but do be aware-- it does NOT sound tubey. I owned and sold one because I wanted just a touch more sugar in the sound. The LS 17 and likely by extension the 6H30 tubed LS 26, will be fairly exacting in their presentation. This is not bad-- it's great actually -- for some-- but see if it's your cup of tea.
In my experience the primary thing you gain by adding a linestage in your situation is dynamics followed by perhaps more refinement up top.
sympaticonorm
103 posts
 
Abramsmatch..which ARC preamp would you recommend that has a bit of a tubey sound ?
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