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Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?

I am trying to expand my horizon for tube preamps. I am now deciding whether to go for an Audio Research LS 26, Cary SLP 05, or deHavilland Mercury?... I have no way to hear these preamps together.

I'll be using an Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono SS amp, Cambridge Audio 640v2 CDP, and the speakers are DIY Scanspeak 2.5 way (21W555/18W8545/9800).

Which preamp will produce the following characteristics?...
-Transparent and neutral tonality and timbre for acoustical instruments
-bass: powerful and deep
-mids: harmonically rich, clear, smooth, refined
-highs: extended & airy. WITHOUT glare. NOT rolled off.
-3D, spacious sound stage WITHOUT sacrificing focus
-big tone, lush sound
-high resolution with micro details without etching

Thanks!
88man
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Big, lush sound = Cary.

All your other criteria = ARC

Good Luck

Marty
baggs1's avatar
baggs1
23 posts
 
IMHO: the Cary Slp-05 is second to none!!!! Audio Research has the name....... Cary has the sound!!!! Audio Research, & Cary both have their own 'House Sound'. Everything, of course is system dependent. If you're system already is too warm, then the Audio Research. However if you're system is etched, or on the analytical side, then Cary. However, I find myself to be able to listen to the Cary 'flavor' for longer stretches than the sometimes 'whitish, analytical' AR, house sound! The final arbiter is what sound You like, and are trying, and can live with!!!....J.C. A better comparison is with the Ref.III
ajackson1
156 posts
 
2nd the Cary SLP-05 with the right tubes.
Auditioned the AR months ago, but went with the Cary.
realhifi
159 posts
 
Whitish? Analytical? Not adjectives I would use in describing the ARC LS26. At all. Gorgeous neutral tonality, solid and palpable focus, clean, clear, smooth...
that is what I hear time and again from this preamplifier.
I have not heard the particular Cary unit you mentioned so I can't make a comparison but can only say that if you have other good equipment then the ARC will only let it all shine.
stickman451
553 posts
 
Or, do better and go for the Hovland HP-100 that is for sale on this BB..... One of the very best Pre's out there.
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