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Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?

I am trying to expand my horizon for tube preamps. I am now deciding whether to go for an Audio Research LS 26, Cary SLP 05, or deHavilland Mercury?... I have no way to hear these preamps together.

I'll be using an Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono SS amp, Cambridge Audio 640v2 CDP, and the speakers are DIY Scanspeak 2.5 way (21W555/18W8545/9800).

Which preamp will produce the following characteristics?...
-Transparent and neutral tonality and timbre for acoustical instruments
-bass: powerful and deep
-mids: harmonically rich, clear, smooth, refined
-highs: extended & airy. WITHOUT glare. NOT rolled off.
-3D, spacious sound stage WITHOUT sacrificing focus
-big tone, lush sound
-high resolution with micro details without etching

Thanks!
88man

Showing 1 response by realhifi

realhifi
159 posts
 
Whitish? Analytical? Not adjectives I would use in describing the ARC LS26. At all. Gorgeous neutral tonality, solid and palpable focus, clean, clear, smooth...
that is what I hear time and again from this preamplifier.
I have not heard the particular Cary unit you mentioned so I can't make a comparison but can only say that if you have other good equipment then the ARC will only let it all shine.
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