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Audio Research pre-amps?

Hello,

I have an Audio Research LS-3 pre-amp paired with McIntosh MC60 mono-blocks. I use an NAD 546BEE CD player and have Nola Boxer speakers on Skylan stands filled with floor dry. The cables are Kimber Heros and 4PRs...and I just added a REL T7 subwoofer.

Anyhoo...my latest thinking is that the system is a just a touch too bright...not much-just a little.

So my question is: I'd like to stick with an ARC pre-amp. Is there a model I should look for that might be a touch warmer? Maybe a tube version? Nothing too new and under $2000..$2500?

Thanks much,
Aaron
neo-luddite
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I own both an ARC (SP-15) and a VAC (VAC Standard)
They both are nice preamps.
The VAC is a four tube separatepower supply preamp. Nice.

The ARC Sp-15 with is ss except a 3 tube phono section. Also has a separate power supply.
Both were in the $1400 $1500 range used a few yers back.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well if you are sticking with ARC, then maybe some warmer cables could help. Try some Cardas, Acoustic Zen, or Purist Audio in place of the Kimber. Or maybe a tube buffer stage between the NAD CDP and the ARC preamp. Just a thought.
tonyjack
83 posts
 
I have the SP-16 with Red Dragon M-500 Class D amps and I find the sound to be quite neutral. Certainly not bright. The speakers are Vandersteen 3A Sigs. Certain tubes (12AX7) in that preamp can really change it's presentation. The Gold Pin JJ's are my favorite because they tend to be more open. The Genelex are very big with IMHO, too much bass for me.EH, Sovtek are sort of bland. I've not installed the Tung Sol or Svetlana's yet because I'm very happy with the JJ's. Try some tube rolling and see if that helps?
77jovian
271 posts
 
I had an LS-3 for years, before upgrading to the LS-26. Same basic ARC sound signature but sweeter, more liquid in the mids and on top. Also more 3-D. I don't find ARC lacking in bass, either.
no_money
565 posts
 
Why not look for a used ref1?
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