ARC LS1, LS2, LS3 , or LS7, which to buy?

John, the last ARC preamp I owned was a Julius Futterman upgraded SP3 (now you know how old I am) and I hated it. So soupy sounding. I loved my CJPV2AR, CJ PV5 and my CJ PV12, but really I wanted to move to a more solid-state kind of sound, with a better handling of the leading edges of the waveform. More than anything, that was the failing of the above mentioned units.

I suppose that my listening bias puts a lot of value on dynamics, pace and presence but not very much on soundstaging. I prefer a lean bass to the conceit of the units above, though that is really not a deal breaker for me. I have a nice phono stage, but having an intergrated phono stage would be great as well. Perhaps the SP9 is the middle ground that I seek, or perhaps a leaner sounding preamp might not be bad either.

Thanks,
Marty

I had a LS2B and my LS5B MKIII was much better in every way. Now it has been modded by GNSC and is even better.

Suggestion: I may be crazy, but am a convert to Walker Extreme SST on the tube pins, XLRS and PCs.

Bob Wood
http://www.greathometheater.com

Marty, John is absolutely correct about the balanced design of the LS2B being half baked. The device has XLR and RCA outputs, but only RCA inputs. The XLR outputs are using some kind of technical alamagoosa to fake the balanced signal. . . . and regardless whether its sound were 'pleasing' or not, it does lack the phonostage you are seeking.
I have replaced my LS2B January last with an ARC Ref 3.
I have had only experience with the 4004 Mk. 2 in the Mondial lineup. While it is a competent unit, better than the Bedini, Hafler and PS Audio I had the opportunity of auditioning at that time, it is fuzzy and unmusical, when you compare it to top ranking brands of the same period. If you were looking for a solid state amp of the mid to late 80s vintage, I would suggest 1st or 2nd generation Rowland monoblocks. price point will not be staggeringly higher than Aragon 4004, but you would find yourself musically in a different world all together.

Guido and Bob (wow, that Bob Wood, thanks for weighing in) I appreciate the continued guidance. Since I no longer sell black tar heroin and rob casinos, I am afraid that the LS5 and Rowlands are out, at least for now ;^). Viridian is a shade of green, as in green with envy over some of the rigs that you guys are running. And Guido, I am not looking for a phono stage, I am happy with the one I have, I was looking for a line stage. If the SP9 came highly recommended and had phono all the better, but it really wasn't on my shopping list. Thanks for the amp info as well!

Hi Marty - I think we all have a more clear view into your budget....looks like the $500-700 range? The ARC pieces in this range are at two extremes: warmth and dimensional but lacking detail that I sense you are after, and the other end which is very analytical and flat. You know the CJ sound of this same time period and that has not worked. What about some of the older Classe or McCormack models? These units were consistently rated as a sound somewhat in the middle. And I have to believe many are in your price range.
John