ARC LS26 vs Ref 2 Mk 2

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your responses. I guess the most sensible option is the LS26 seeing as I can probably get a home audition when I'm ready to plonk down the cash.

Oneobgyn, I have just finished reading about your amazing journey, i.e the evolution of your system and the friendships made along the way. I wish I lived in your neck of the woods!

Did you hear the LS26 in your system? In what ways did you feel it bettered the Ref 2?

Also I'm curious as to what are your favourite go-to recordings and what in particular do you listen for in them

Thanks again to all of you
Kind Regards
Mick

Hi Mickey

I have been into this hobby for the past 35 years and have owned countless systems. For me honestly the journey is over and I have reached my destination. I am content with my system as it always continues to evoke a toe tapping experience. I heard the LS 26 vs the Ref 2 Mk ll at a dealer's listening room. To me there was better openess and soundstage with the LS 26. It very much resembles the Ref 3 at half the price.

I have countless go-to records when our audio club gets together for a listen. Well recorded music will always show off a system for either better or for worse. A very good friend of mine who started a high end audio store here in the SF Bay area always brought with several records when he went to client's homes to listen to their system. Each was a compilation of different music to highlight different aspects whether it be vocals, strings drums etc. He would always comment that by listening to so many systems the only thing which would remain constant is the music. Over the years I have produced several CD's which I take with me to other people's systems. If you send me a private e-mail with your address I would be happy to make you copies for your enjoyment. Bear in mind however that one man's passion is another man's poison. IOW we don't all like the same music. As to what I really find well recorded is anything on XRCD (latest being XRCD 24). IMO a well recorded XRCD disk usually always betters the same disk recorded in SACD. I always try to find these disks in the IMPORT version which you can get on amazon.com, or places such as acoustic.sounds.com etc. If you are ever in this area I would be happy to have you over for a listen. This is a hobby where great friendships are made.

The Audio Research website states that the LS-26 out-performs the Ref2 Mk2.

I had the Ref2 Mk2 for a couple of years and it was outstanding....you can't go wrong with it. I'm sure if you chose the LS26, you'd love it too. Both units are a win win situation for you.

I now own the Ref3.

Oneobgyn,

who are you kidding when you say your journey is over. I certainly hope you don't believe it !

My dad is waiting on his Ref 3 to be delivered, when talking to a friend he assumed my dad had the 26, but he owns the 16 now.
What was interesting is he claimed there are a few opinions that the 26 and Ref2 are pretty similar, he used the phrase "kissing cousins" at any rate that is one take I heard on the two.
I cant wait to visit my father to hear the leap that pre will provide in his system performace, it should be fun!