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ARC vs LFD

I currently own ARC tube gear. As much as I like it I'm tired of replacing tubes. I was thinking about downsizing and going with a LFD intergrated and some Harbeth speakers.
I'm wondering if anyone has ever done this and If you have were you happy with the results. My biggest fear is making a mistake and having to buy the ARC gear all over. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks
taters

Showing 2 responses by apachef1

apachef1
164 posts
 
I'm not familiar with LFD but can respond to ARC. This gear has a signature sound that you know when you're listening to ARC gear. Paired with Harbeth makes for a sweet sound. To make a drastic change and go to a fairly new manufacturer, I would at the very least have to hear LFD gear with the same Harbeth speakers before selling out my ARC gear.
Also keep in mind ARC has been around a long time and provides some of the best customer service support out there.
How many tubes are you replacing per amount of hours of use? Amp pre-amp or both

Ed
apachef1
164 posts
 
Hi Taters

I don't know which model tube amp you have but your numbers seem accurate for big tube amps. I have a pair of Mcintosh tube mono-blocks that burn tubes at the same rate as your ARC's I will live with it so not to compromise the wonderful sound these very rare amps give me. Remember its about the sound and if you're happy with your ARC set up then that will justify the tube maintenance.

I don't own ARC gear but I have listened to quite a bit and attest that this is some of the best of the best and I would be hard pressed to go to a new manufacturer that cant keep their product in stock. That may not necessarily be a good thing for a fairly new audio company trying to establish their presence in the US

Ed
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