2. amps-preamps
  3. 987388904

ARC LS-15, thumbs up or down?

I am considering making the jump to a tube pre. At presant I'm using a Classe DR6/CA400 combo driving Thiel CS5i's. Pre/Pwr ic is MIT med imp 330 shotgun. Speaker cables are MIT 770 cvt twins. My local dealer has let me an LS-15 to demo. I've noticed a vast improvement overall, but now find listening a bit fatiguing. I'm working with the toe in, but haven't totally solved the problem. Also I noticed that the pre has a low level hum coming from the pwr supply. Barely audible with ear against the top. Is this normal? I like the sound. The price is right ($1400)? Would my money be well spent, or should I be going in another direction? Any input from others who have been down this path would be greatly appreciated.
mrderrick

Showing 2 responses by mrderrick

mrderrick OP
292 posts
 
Thanks for the post No_money. The hum may be normal for the LS-15. The pre was a trade in on a Ref II. I wasn't sure since it's a used pre and I'm not schooled in tubes. I am using the direct in for my source and it does make a difference. Thanks
mrderrick OP
292 posts
 
Thanks everyone, I've decided that it's a "keeper". The pre has been retubed and has the ARC dampening rings. It also has the Infinicaps. The previous owner was very fussy. Just one thing though, it looks like the pre is set up for high 18db gain. When the volume control is all the way down there is still sound. I don't know if this is good or bad? I have the drawing showing the resistor locations. I've also gotten the fatigue back under control. Had to re-toe the speakers.
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