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

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

Thanks John, yes, in my original question I listed the budget at $750.00. I had a Classe 40 I think it was, once, junk really, but the McCormack is a really good idea, I was concerned that the active buffered one has no gain, any thoughts? Great steer, all of the input is greatly appreciated.
Marty

If you are looking for a vacuume tube sound your not going to find it in the LS preamps u mentioned, since they are hybrid designs. I used to own a SP-6B and liked it alot, although working on it is a rather big chore. The 6B has a lumpy frequency response. If you could find an 8B that would be better or a used SP-3 and get it updated when u have more money to spend to a 3C. That has to be sent back to ARC but they totally replace the power supply, tube sockets, coupling caps and volume control as the stock control was a noisy sucker. In this preamp u have defeatable tone controls, a nice feature. It might even drive a high output moving coil, or find a used step up device. BTW Im not a big fan of the SP-9/SP-14 unless their upgraded but they are still hybrids. G.Garfield