Has anyone Upgraded their ARC preamp

One more thing. The LS-25 MkII is I think when ARC switched over to the 6H30 tubes in its preamps from 6922s. Does your LS-25 MK I pre have 6922 tubes in it? It could be that you just don't like the 6H30s vs 6922s. Just guessing here. Many folks who hear BAT and ARC pres based on the 6H30 tube think they are lean and almost SS sounding. I do not think that is the case but it could be you are in that camp.

Did you hear the MKII version of your preamp and the LS-26 in your system? Were they broken-in and fully warmed up? It has been my experience Audio Research hybrid preamps require 3 days warm up to sound their best.

I have never heard an Audio Research preamp sound mechanical unless it was not warmed up or not broken in. I have always been amazed at how many folks have come to the conclusion they do not like a product without sufficient break-in and warm up. Maybe the third owner actually gets the fully broken-in component and full enjoyment at a discounted price.

Ever since Audio Research developed the hybrid preamp the tubes were given a long, 10,000 hour, tube life whether it was a 6DJ8H, 6922 or the current 6H30. You can leave these preamps powered up 24/7 and only replace the tubes once a year, 24 hrs. x 365 days = 8760 hrs. This is a small price to pay for the improvement in sound.

I went from a 25MKII to a Ref 3.It was a step up.More musical all around,I was very pleased with my choice.

I had the LS25 MkI and it was good, but had a veil on it compared to the LS26 I owned for the past couple years. I loved the LS26; ARC's philosophy goal is to capture the best of solid state; the detail, speed, dynamics and low noise floor with the positives of tubes; more three dimensional sound stage, more air and bloom around the notes. If you want a tubey sound, there are other manufacturers to give you that. I jumped the Ref 3 and went to Ref 5 and it is light years above the LS26, but for the price it should be! With many audionuts upgrading I think I'd jump to the Ref 3 from the LS25 MkI; your urge to upgrade will be less!

Hifimaniac...nice setup and agree with you 100% on your description of the ARC sound. That's exactly right. I see you have the PH7 right now. With your Continuum set-up, it's begging for the Ref Phono 2 :-) One quick question, with the Ref 5 mated to the SS Nemo monos, you still get as much 3D dimensionality in the soundstage and that sense of bloom and air around instruments as compared to the Ref 5 into a tubed power amp (Ref 110/210s for example)? I run my Ref 3 into a Ref 110 and I am thinking about subbing out the Ref 110s for the DS450 from ARC but I am afraid to lose some of that tube magic that gives you an immersive quality to the musical presentation. Thanks