Preamp advice

LS2B is an old model, if it's what I think it is. One of their early forays into solid state.  A friend bought one, and we both thought it was less than "meh".  But that was so long ago that I am wondering whether ARC has a newer model with the same name.

The LS2B is a hybrid, it has one 6922 tube for voltage gain and FET’s for the output stage. It doesn't seem to get that much praise.

Definitely ARC has done better since the LS2B.

What do you guys think about a valve based McIntosh preamp ?

kunalraiker,

Since you are in Australia, I'd recommend you look at used Supratek preamps. I've heard the 6SN7 Cabernet, Cabernet DHT, and Grange preamps...and they've all been exceptional.

Mick Maloney (owner, builder, designer) has been sick for quite a while and I don't think he is building any new preamps....but if you can find them used, they are great preamps.

Others have mentioned the Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp (sold by Spatial Audio); and I can verify both are amazing.....the best 2 preamps I've ever heard. For disclosure I own Aric's Motherlode XL preamp as well as his Transcend "Push Pull" EL34 amplifier.