2. amps-preamps
  3. 1215545726

ARC LS26 power cords, interconnects, tweaks

I just purchased an Audio Research LS26 preamplifier. This is my first tube component and now my system could go fully balanced if I invested in xlr cables. I am very happy with the overall sound of the LS26. The separation of details and fuller sound in the midrange is an incredible improvement in many ways. Tones sound so natural and true through this preamp. That said, I do not feel I am getting the full level of performance it is capable of. My former pre was a solid state edge g1. There was a sparkle in the treble that is not there with the ARC and while the midrange is certainly fuller it sounds very slightly veiled especially on voices. I am sure this is just a tweaking issue as it really does sound incredible. I would love to hear from other owners who have experimented and what you've learned.

I currently own all Tara Labs RSC interconnects terminated with RCA. My system is:

amp: spectron musician 3se mk2 (isoclean superfocus power cord)
preamp: arc ls26 (shunyata taipan power cord)
cdp: resolution audio opus 21 (shunyata taipan power cord)
loudspeaker: audio physic scorpio: spectron remote sense speaker cable / purist audio new elementa advanced

Thanks
J
j_evege
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,768 posts
 
I suggest you do not make any changes anywhere in the chain at all until the new preamp is fully broken in, which is anywhere from 400-500 hours of playing time(not just powered, but playing). Unless you bought the unit used.

I hate to say it because you probably heard it before, but with cables, be it power cords or interconnects or speaker cables, it is very system/component/room/listener dependent. There are too many variables to consider. Very hard to make any specific recommendation. If you live in the US, it is best to take a set of different cables from Cable Co. They have a lending library with huge selection of cables. It's a lengthy process that can also become difficult and confusing to select the "right" combination of cables.
Another way to do it is to buy used cables here and sell them if they don't work out for you.

To start with something, start with what you have. Give your preamp time to break in and yourself time to adopt to new sound. No surprise that LS-26 sounds different from your last preamp. You need to get used to its sound. Let it fully cook and then see how you like it before you start swapping cables.

FWIW, I use Shunyata Taipan Helix Alpha on my ARC preamp. Shunyata Python VX on cd player and Audience powerChord on the amp. ICs are Acoustic Zen Silver Ref MkII from cd to pre and Matrix REF MkII from pre to amp.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Learn the voice of your system and then start tweaking with cables.

I still have stock PC because I'm tweaking other things and still learning about my system.

Take your time and enjoy.
lwerner
58 posts
 
You have not as yet "heard" your LS26, as suggested above it needs time to break in. I have about 350hrs on my LS26 and I still hear changes (for the good).
I don`t normaly like "adaptors" because that introduces another connection plus one that is not soldered.
I also use a new ARC PH7 phono which has only RCA out.

Just to see what happens if I took the "balanced" path, I ordered 2pr. of Cardas RCA to XLR adaptors,($75 a pair) balanced going into and balanced comming out of the LS26.
The difference was VERY significant, like a veil lifted, dynamics and high transparency, sense of space and depth was MUCH better, I am not going back to the RCA only path.
Some reading this will say I am imagining the improvements, but I think the signal just going through the balanced mode is improved and past on down the line so to speak. The LS26 is the only unit in my system that can go Balanced, you may find that the adaptors are all you will need.
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