Audio Research comparison

Hi Kublakhan,

Does the AR Ref. MK II pre use a single gain stage with no cathode follower like the BAT VK-50SE pre?

Thanks!

the only arc preamp that was made without a cathode follower was the SP12 from the 80s.

in the demo we did out here 4 of the 6 of us preferred the arc ref2mkII to the BAT50se but we were listening on a pair of arc300s. apparently there's synergy when using the bat pre with the bat amp so maybe the comparison wasn't a fair one. they're both amazing preamps however and if you're offering, i'll accept either. :)

This thread demonstrates, again, how subjective and system dependent component evaluations in this hobby can be. I own both the LS25 MKI and VT100 MKII versions. I am using NOS tubes in my LS25. I have heard the new version with the FET low level input and 6H30 tubes. Technically, the VT100 MKIII my be better than the MKII, however I found the MKII version to be more musically satisfyiing: to wit, more liquidity and a sweeter top end. In so far as the LS25 MKII is concerned, I think the MKI with the NOS (6H23) equals the MKII version in terms of technical competence but exceeds it in terms of musicality. My observations were replicated by a friend who also had the opportunity to try all the iterations in his home system.

gmorris, was your friend using nos tubes on his ls25? anyway, of course it's all subjective and component dependent - this is what we all stew about in our sleep/lack of.
anyway we listened to the ls25mkI through a pair of arc300s. perhaps this brought out something unusual in the LS25. and changing the tubes should of course make a difference. as far as the vt100mkII vs mkIII i've heard many people say they prefer the mkII. i have the mkII but haven't yet heard the mkIII so i can't comment.

Yes, he was using the NOS 6H23 in both the LS25 MKI and VT100 MKII. Also, He had the LS25 MKII and the VT100 MKIII and liked neither. He claimed that "the magic was missing." He feels strongly that the older versions, with the NOS, were better sounding.

Incidentally, the LS25 MKI with the NOS 6H23 sounds like a different preamp. It became much more powerful, dynamic and robust,with greater slam in the midbass and lower bass. Also, there was greater transparency and richness in the midrange, with a wider and deeper soundstage. In summary, every musical parameter improved, without any downside.