2. amps-preamps
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The audio research arc line- from top to bottom.

I have been searching for a balanced tube preamp for some time, recently started to look at the arc line.
I understand that the ref-5 is the best at the moment. I am curious what is second best? Is it the ls-26? Or the ref2 mkII?
Where do the others fall.
pedrillo
rgurney
279 posts
 
BAT no longer includes the DR tubes in their products, even the REX pre-amp, but you can buy those tubes from BAT.......at the going market price....
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
What about the preamps that came before ls-26???
Are the ls-25, ls-22, ls-17, ls-16 close to the ls-26?????
What will give the biggest bang for the buck?
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
The LS-16MKII is one of the worst preamps I have ever heard.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
"The LS-16MKII is one of the worst preamps I have ever heard."

I totally and completey disagree! The LS16MKII is a marvelous sounding preamp. Very open and dynamic with excellent control. No, it doesn't sound as good as a LS26, but it comes pretty damn close.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Can any old ones be modified so they can compete with the ls-26????
Or what else is available that isn't as pricy as the ls-26?
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