Audio Research LS25 Mk II vs Ref 1

Based on previous ownership of both models. I think you should upgrade to the LS-25 MK1 if you want to stay with ARC.

I owned both the LS 25 mk2 and a Ref 2 mk1 at the same time. The LS 25 is more dynamic than the Ref, however it suffers from the bloom that makes tube equipment so special. I did do some cable swapping on the Ref 2 and it made the dynamics and resolution improve quite a bit, but it is still not as dynamic as the LS 25 mk2. The Ref 2 mk1 does have more body and bass slam than the 25. I think the next step for you would be a Ref 2 mk2 as I spoke with Leonard at ARC a couple of weeks ago and he said the Ref 2 mk2 is even more dynamic than the LS 25 mk2. I ended up keeping the Ref 2 mk1 as I prefer the whole sonic presentation over the LS 25 mk2, especially with my Maggies.

The LS 25 MK2 is very dynamic and with lots of detail. I think it is a great pre !
The Ref1 have more bass extension and less dynamic or punch.

Ruggero