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Audio Research REF 3 and LS26

Posted by Bambi B (A) on March 7, 2010 at 09:22:03

In Reply to: Need Help Choosing Preamp posted by Stan Gable on March 7, 2010 at 05:10:32:

PHOTO: Audio Research REF 3 line stage preamplifier

Stan Gable,

You don't mention the other equipment in the system, so comments are general.

I think there's an exceptional bargain at the moment in the form of used Audio Research REF 3 line stage preamps. This is 6H30 based and some of the best audio sounds I've ever heard have gone through the REF 3- natural timbre, discretion between instruments, transparency, neutrality without sterility- fantastic refinement of sound. There are quite a few for sale by those who are upgrading to the new REF 5 and the prices being between $4,800 to $5,600 or so is about half of the price new.

And, with Audio Research stuff, I have no problem in buying used of any age, not only is the build quality excellent- I have a 1985 SP8 preamp that has never had a repair- but the customer service is like joining a club regardless of buying new or used, ARC has parts for every product they ever made (except some transport parts for CD1 and CD2).

PHOTO: Audio Research LS26 line stage preamplifier


For somewhat less (around $3,500), the Audio Research LS26 is outstanding- many say it offers a very high percentage (such as "95%") of the REF 3, and the design borrows from the REF series. The price of the LS26 used would leave enough from your $7,000 budget to buy an ARC PH5 tube phono stage, even excellent power amplication such as a pair of D300's solid state power amplifiers (160W or 300W bridged) for biwiring, or better yet, a renovated D250 (240-250W) tube amplifier.

Again, without knowing he rest of your system, listening taste and so on, this is very conjectural.


Cheers,

Bambi B

[Audio Research : SP8, SP10, LS3, D115, D130]

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