Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?

100% agree with Baggs1.
Both preamps are great and have distinctive "house" sound - you do not have to auditioned them A to B - they sound so differently. It is a matter of taste and the rest of the system. I got SLP-05 and very happy with it

I agree with Martykl. Based on the criteria you listed, the ARC LS26 virtually meets every one, except for "lush" sound. I would describe the ARC sound in general as being quite neutral. I used to own the LS26 and loved it and upgraded to the Ref3 (I wish I had waited for all the used Ref 3s now flooding Agon :-)). Anyway, based on your criteria I would go with the LS26. Ideally you will be able to audition before you make your decision. Good luck with whichever choice you make.

I have owned both and the Cary is more extended on both ends. Both are very good, and different.

Listen to both if possible, but based on your criteria I would say the Cary may be more to your liking.

Once Again, without being redundant. To make a recommendation of a single component without having a working knowledge of other components that will augment it, is both foolish, and ludicrous! Regardless of what anyone will review, or comment.....There is not a Single component, that does not have a Flavor, "House Sound', and; or Sonic Signature!! Palm that off with those beginning this hobby yesterday!!! Audio Research's happens to be more whitish, and analytical, in comparison with Cary, and Others. Again the final arbiter is KNOWING what sound is to You're preference, and how the individual components interact to formulate that particular sound You are endeavoring to achieve, in You're System. That, Turntables, Tonearms, Cartridges, Wires, CDP's, And Speakers, Tweaks Etc; ALL should come together in a wholistic way to take You to that point. All the other information in regards to this IMHO is pointless.

Thank you everyone for your advice. It forced me to listen to both AR LS 26 and I agree that it's a more analytical sound. I am aiming for a different palate of sound that's 3D holographic sound, extended Frequency range, without sacrificing transparency.

I've narrowed my decision to Cary SLP 05 vs Cary SLP 98P F1. What are the sonic differences between them?....

Thanks!