I've owned both and preferred the Cary by a significant amount. It has more of the tube attributes than the LS27 did in my system, and was just better essentially in every aspect. I would probably still own it if it had more remote functions (changing input, power, etc).
I honestly wasn't that impressed with the LS27. It wasn't bad per se in any sense, but when compared back to back with the Cary there was no mistaking what I was missing.
The Cary was more extended up top, had a more articulated bottom end and more of the midrange magic that I wanted from a tubed unit. The ARC leaned a little too far towards the solid state side of the house in terms of presentation. The Cary was more transparent/open and allowed me to "see" a little deeper into the soundstage. The ARC seemed a little congested in comparison.
Your experience may be completely different with your equipment, and since I've never-ever heard any of your gear, I can't possibly tell you if it would be a good match or not.
For what it's worth I was using both preamps with a Levinson 336 amp, Aerial 10T speakers and Linn Unidisk 1.1 source.
Good luck with the search.
I honestly wasn't that impressed with the LS27. It wasn't bad per se in any sense, but when compared back to back with the Cary there was no mistaking what I was missing.
The Cary was more extended up top, had a more articulated bottom end and more of the midrange magic that I wanted from a tubed unit. The ARC leaned a little too far towards the solid state side of the house in terms of presentation. The Cary was more transparent/open and allowed me to "see" a little deeper into the soundstage. The ARC seemed a little congested in comparison.
Your experience may be completely different with your equipment, and since I've never-ever heard any of your gear, I can't possibly tell you if it would be a good match or not.
For what it's worth I was using both preamps with a Levinson 336 amp, Aerial 10T speakers and Linn Unidisk 1.1 source.
Good luck with the search.