2. amps-preamps
  3. 127679-91597

Should I consider the newer Audio Research pre & power amps, when I play records not CD's

I worked in and owned upper end audio stores back in the 1970's. (McIntosh B&O Magnepan, etc) I have been pretty much out of audio for the past 30 years. In my old age, I want to play the records I have saved (many MFSL & Japanese virgin vinyl) I kept my B&O linear 4002 W/mmc20CL cart. and it still works and I have newer B&W 804 speakers. I am going to get a new table of better quality. I have always wanted an Audio Research tube amp and Preamp. I am considering the LS 26 or LS17SE Preamp and older D90/115 or newer VS 115 or the Ref 75SE. I am in my 60's and my hearing is not as good as it was, plus I am lost with all the digital technology. (just started using a smart phone) I just wanted to get opinions spending $4000 on older ARC or bite the bullet and spend in the $7000 up. Is it worth spending the money for the new equipment when I am only playing records. 
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Showing 1 response by oregonpapa

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
If you want to stick with ARC, I'd go with an ARC-Classic 60 and an ARC REF-3 preamp. Take the CL-60 to a reliable tech and have him go through the amp to check the caps just to make sure they are operating at their full function. Also, have him remove the knuckle busting binding posts and swap them out for modern binding posts like the copper ones from Cardas. Use quality after market fuses in every thing ... fuses like Synergistic Research Blacks. 

Don't be fooled by the "paltry" 60 watts per side in the Classic 60.

If you want to go with one of ARC's reference series of amps, go with the REF-75 and change out the KT-120's for the KT-150's.  

Also as a final  note, with all of the cash I just saved you, get the AudioTechnica ART-9 cartridge and hear your old mono records (stereo too) sing. :-)

Frank
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