What is Audio Researches best preamp period

i had the ls-12. it was their last solid state unit and didnt get alot of press...

whether it was their best, i dont know.. i can say that it is one of the most neutral pre's that i heard to date and was killer when run fully balanced...

i regret selling that piece to this day...

I like the ARC Ref 2, the model prior to ARC's decision to go the specialty Russian tube route (that have no substitutes).

The Ref 2 uses eight 6922's in the main unit and 5AR4, 6L6GC, and 6922 in the power supply. A world class preamp by any standard.

The ability to run NOS tubes makes this the last ARC Ref that can be fully tuned up to match your equipment, room and personal taste.

I second Albertporter's opinion.... I have a Ref 2 mk1 and it has lots of bloom..........

SP10 Mark II, killer phono stage.

I agree with Narrod from what I have been exposed to but, I still wouldn't think of trading my Aesthetix Calypso or Rhea in for a single piece of ARC ever made. No way, no how. Cheers!