Preamp advice

Thanks everyone, I will chase the audio research  given the overwhelmingly strong recommendation  to get it.

Jc, I had never heard of the Raven preamp but I have long known about Lynn Olson as a very smart designer. I cannot be sure, but I think it uses an interstage transformer. I have not yet figured out whether it is output transformer coupled. Nice piece of gear I would love to hear.

Just found this on their website, which certainly suggests it IS output transformer coupled.

"Part of the Revelation series, the Raven linestage preamplifier brings Western Electric technology into the 21st Century. Like the classic WE line drivers of the 1930's, it is transformer coupled throughout, input and output, and fully balanced for minimum distortion." 

@kunalraiker 

The LS27 would be a fantastic ARC option.  I had one for a while and moved to the REF 3 and it was not a huge leap.  The 27 is a great value and easy to maintain with fewer tubes.  I didn't have one, but a 17SE may be another option for less $$.  

There are 2 on USAM now:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650310457-audio-research-ls17se-preamp-ex-cond-w-possible-extras/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650182684-fabulous-audio-research-ls17se-with-new-6h6p-amp-original-6h30-tubes/

Good luck!

Thanks @dhite71 , The LS27 got sold and now there is LS28SE and a Ref 3 for almost twice what ls27 was.

Iam in Australia,  so US sales cannot do for me.

Wondering whether I should just wait as the preamp needs to be a significant upgrade to the EC 4.7 from Electrocompaniet.

Wondering whether there are cheaper leap upgrades fron accuphase, luxman and McIntosh.

@kunalraiker 

Ah, bummer.....I wasn't sure of the dynamics of purchasing from a US seller.

In the US, a REF 6 is usually between the LS 28 and LS 28SE in price.  I haven't heard the LS 28/28SE but if you were going to stretch all the way to approximately $6000USD then I would go for the REF 6.

Below that, the LS27 really stood out for me.  I had it paired with a PH8 phono which was also fantastic.