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Question for ARC line stage owners

I am trying to determine when ARC started to install IEC connectors on their LS models. As close as I can determine it started around 1997 or 1998. Here is what I have been able to put together so far. It seems that some latter LS15's have it and the early ones don't. Some LS 8's have it and some don't. LS8 mkII's do have it. All the LS7's I have seen don't have. The REF 1's don't. Current LS units like the 16 and 25, and REF 2 I already know have the IEC from the factory. Please tell me if I have this wrong.

I also would like some feedback on when ARC started to install the InfiniCaps in the LS series from the factory?

I am thinking of trading my SP for an LS. I have been toying with the idea of going all digital and won't need the phono section. It may also be an opportunity to go balanced throughout my system. Again, LS 7,8 are single ended. LS 15's are both. and I assume that all of the current stuff is both SE & balanced.

Any thoughts on what other ARC owners felt about the advantages of going balanced in terms of sound are also welcomed. If I decide I don't need to go balanced I can always install an IEC and some InfiniCaps, or the new DynamiCaps in an LS7 and have a nice sounding line stage for a modest price.

If I could I would just buy a REF or a 25 kII but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon. Give me your thoughts.
maxgain
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Maxgain

best bang for your buck
LS5MKII or MKIII
completely balanced setup, very engaging and musical piece
Many feel it's only beaten by the Reference 2.
One can be had for $1800-2300 when someone is willing to part with one. All the ARC magic at a modest price.
maxgain OP
526 posts
 
Audiotomb, I assume that the LS5 uses 6922's. How many of them? My guess is that the 5 also uses the MIT multicaps. I am curious about the circuit board layout. Is there some space between the MIT caps, or is it very tight like a few other units I have seen. I also would like to know about the back panel. Is the power cord placement such that an IEC could be installed where the original power cord exits and not conflict with the fuse holder and perhaps the transformer inside the unit?
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
MAXGAIN

Not an audio engineer
The LS5 takes 10 6922's

I couldn't tell you on the caps, I believe it has them.
I know others who have had their power cord upgraded, yes I believe there is space there.

Steve Huntley of Great Northern Sounds does mods on the LS5, maybe he could help you on that end.

Tom
maxgain OP
526 posts
 
Tom,
Thanks for the info. I think I would rather stay away from ARC units with 10 tubes or even 8 like the LS 22. I would consider it if the warm up time was not longer than it takes for my ARC VT 50. I have to leave my SP 9 on ALL the time or it sounds dreadful. I think most people that bitch about the sound of the 9(or the LS 1 for that matter, which is the same thing without the phono stage) don't understand this aspect of the unit. If infact I didn't need to leave it on all the time the tube cost wouldn't be so bad. If I do need to leave it on to get the best sound the tube cost will just be too high. What do you do with yours as far as leaving it on and why?
bluefin
111 posts
 
Infinite cap on my LS-15 makes the mid more open and liquid. Using Siemens tube also makes the high smoother and deeper bass. Balance in/out in LS-15 sounds better than SE.
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