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I like tube components and Audio Research products. I am currently trying out a VT-100 Mk III power amp with my SP-8 preamp.
I am considering buying a newer used preamp, maybe an LS 25, because I'd like to try balanced connections. I am loath to have to get a phono stage for vinyl, but still am curious if you think I can better my system's sound with a newer LS preamp in balanced form?
Also interested in any recommendations of other valve preamps to consider in the ca. $2,000 or less price range.
(Using B&W Matrix 801 Series II speakers.)
Thanks,
George
Follow Ups:
George-
I would not settle for anything less than an ARC Ref3 SE pre-amp.
Add Transparent Reference XL and OPUS power cords to the list of cabling
sonic matches.
Why not consider having your sp8 modded and brought up to date by ARC? It would preserve the basic sound that you like, and bring its performance up a couple of notches. Its rare to find equipment that pleases over such a long period of ownership.
Too bad Steve Huntly of Great Northern Sound Company (GNSC) closed shop and joined Resolution Audio. I've been using an LS-25 Mk I with his reference level mod and was very happy with it. It had brought the LS-25 comparable to the Ref 2 in performance. I now have the Ref 2 with the reference level mod. It is amazingly good.
I am not a techie, so I cannot tell you all the exact modifications he did in both unit. Actually the mods within the Ref 2 is more sophisticated than the LS-25. But I can see some more obvious changes such as capacitors and power supply upgrades.
FrankC
I did that when I got the SP-8. Sent it in for a complete going over.
The LS25 mk2 is a killer preamp. I had one for a number of years before I finally upgraded to my Ref 5se. In my system I liked it better than either the LS26 or LS27. I passed on a demo LS27 because it just sounded thin compared to my LS25 mk2. It is also mush better than the original LS25.
I also had a VT100 mk3 for a few years. I bought it to replace my V70 but It never really won me over in the end. I ended up keeping the V70 and selling the VT100 mk3. It did a lot of things right and was more detailed than the V70. But I always felt that something was missing. It did not have the presence the V70 or the original classic series amps had.
Both the LS25 and LS25 mk2 are Hybrid designs. The LS25 mk2 uses 6H30 tubes where the original LS25 uses 6922 tubes. I had an original LS25 in my system for about a month before I bought my LS25 mk2. I felt that in my system the Mk2 was much more detailed and holographic.
The VT100 mk3 also uses the 6H30 tube where the MK1 and 2 use 6922 tubes. As I remember some of the MK1s had reliability issues. I never had a chance to hear one. I have heard the MK2 but it was not in my system and it was a long time ago.
BTW, I have found that Audio Research equipment works really well with Shunyata power cables. When I first got my Ref 5se I borrowed a number of different power cables to try. I was amazed at just how much of a positive difference the Shunyata cable made. I think it might make a positive difference with the VT100 mk3 also.
LS-25 is tube. MKII is a hybrid.
Bear in mind that all of the gain in the LS-25 II is done by fets; the tube is a cathode follower and does not provide any gain. It is there so ARC could market it as a tube linestage. The LS-25 Mk I is all tube, if that is important to you.
Thank you. This is most useful information.
I haven't done any careful listening to the VT-100 MK I vs. Mk III. Initial impressions are that the III is providing more detail. Whether is has that magical, relaxed tube air and bloom remains to be seen, but so far I'm excited.
I'll be sure to keep out a lookout for the LS 25 Mk II as I consider this question further.
I would pass on the LS-25 mkII. For a few hundred dollars more you can find a REF2. Much better preamp.
I owned the ARC VT100mkII which I thought was an outstanding tube amp. Very robust, powerful, and detailed.
However, I was not a fan of the LS16mkII or LS25mkII linestages. I thought these sounded a little lean or too neutral, and lacking 'presence' in the lower mids and further down. It didn't sound very full-bodied or robust to me. It was more typical of a solid-state sound but with less bass slam. Of course my standard of comparison was the Cary SLP-05 which is a much more 'tubey' sounding linestage.
I also liked the Aesthetix Calypso linestage better than the ARC LS25mkII. It was a bit warmer and more tube-like to my ears. The Aesthethix also has similar features and functionality to the ARC with lots of RCA & XLR ins/outs, full function remote with input select, etc. There's even a gain jumper inside.
Good luck!
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