ARC LS-5MKIII or ARC LS-25MKII

Since you have balanced components already, I would take the LS5. You could then get a hold of some 7308/6922 tubes to replace the Sovteks, assuming that is what you're getting.

If you want to continue spending like the rest of us, you can send the unit to Steve Huntley at GNS & he can replace the power cord with an EIC plug.

There's no end to it.

Yes, I also support JA's opinions.

Thanks again for the LS5, John.

Yes,

John described the transaction as it occured and both of us ended up winners.

If I didn't have an ARC amp, I would have kept the 30se & had it converted to the 31se. I made the switch to the LS5 because of the percieved synergy with a balanced ARC amp. Now that I have ProAc speakers (R 3.8's) the synergy really shines through. I wish I had a 31se to compare to, unfortunatley there aren't any BAT dealers in the Chicago area.

As far as the GNS upgrade, I had an EIC installed and I'm using a Cardas Golden Reference PC, had the power supply beefed up & have Cardas Caps. I'm using Siemens 7308's or
Telefunkens. I'd like to try the Tungrsram ECC88's since they are more reasonably priced and I've seen them pop up on Audiogon recently. I'm using a set of them in a BAT P10 phono and they have exceptional low noise.

CSABA, sorry if some of us got off on a tangent, but you started great thread.

Steve

Thanks Ken.

I also use the Seimens 7308 as driver tubes in my amp. They were the richest sounding as compared to Amperex and the telefunkens.