Audio Research LS-15
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tube-a-lou
Addicted Member
No, but there one of the best company's out there, just google there name it
will all pop up, I alway's wanted a amp and pre-amp from them there really good.
Tube
will all pop up, I alway's wanted a amp and pre-amp from them there really good.
Tube
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Jim likes the remote control that came with his unit. Replaced an SP-14.
I used it a couple weeks ago and it was fine but I like the motorized volume controls, different from the switch type this unit has. It is easier to swing the volume control with a twist on the motorized units. I'm sure the switch unit on the LS-15 is sonically better.
I used it a couple weeks ago and it was fine but I like the motorized volume controls, different from the switch type this unit has. It is easier to swing the volume control with a twist on the motorized units. I'm sure the switch unit on the LS-15 is sonically better.
1gr8e320a
Active Member
@ tube-a-lou. Yes, quite familiar with the company - I was trying to get a "real" review from someone who may have this unit. There's so much crap out there on the internet you don't know what to believe. Really excited about bringing her home this weekend. I'm selling my mint condition Pioneer SX-1980 for it... it better be good because I swore I never would sell it. I have a way of not thinking things through some times and having regrets later on.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
I would never need an SX-1980 if I had an LS-15.
coman61
Well-Known Member
A little late to the dance here... You will not regret your move IMHO. The LS15 is my favorite preamp. This is comming for a guy who also owns a LS25 and a SP16.. It will respond well to tube rolling. For me I really like the amprex bugle boy made in Hollands. If you have a CDP or dac that has balanced outputs use the LS15 direct in and you will be in heaven.
I have used the preamp with both tube and SS amps and it works equally well with both.
I have used the preamp with both tube and SS amps and it works equally well with both.
1gr8e320a
Active Member
I have to say its nice to once again hear what I have been missing for so long - the LS15 really is an amazing preamp. Could not be happier. Came with a new set of electro-harmonix 6922 - matched and balanced. (I'm new to the tube scene so if I write something incorrect try and cut me some slack.) I see that they're not expensive and I'm not sure that if I step it up a notch or two would I hear that much of a difference? I am open to any suggestions that would cost up to $200 / $300 for 4 6922 tubes. Again, I am new to the tube scene - so take it easy on me.
@coman61 -my CDP is a SCD-777ES which was the step down from the SCD-1 which had balanced. They are identicle besides the balanced outputs - I may sell and buy the SCD-1 again. My Classe Amps and active crossovers are all balanced so I will have that feature to use. Really pleased with this unit. I will research the amprex bugle boy tube. Thanks for the post.
@coman61 -my CDP is a SCD-777ES which was the step down from the SCD-1 which had balanced. They are identicle besides the balanced outputs - I may sell and buy the SCD-1 again. My Classe Amps and active crossovers are all balanced so I will have that feature to use. Really pleased with this unit. I will research the amprex bugle boy tube. Thanks for the post.
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Bill H
Happy Little Hamburger...
I also have the LS-15 and have to say its the best pre I've owned. I will 2nd the use of amperex tubes in this unit. I use 7308's in there. I will say on very efficient speakers even on the lowest volume setting, it might be too loud for late night listening.
Good choice!
-Bill
Good choice!
-Bill
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Changing tubes you will hear the difference. Whether it is an improvement is up to you and what you are looking for in sound.
With that in mind, different tubes sound different and can sound different just by putting them in a different unit, you might want to talk to someone that knows the tubes he sells. This is Jim McShane. Talking to him and you will find out what differences you might hear swapping your current tubes for some nice NOS super desirable tube. In some cases these high buck tubes do not improve sound but they do sound different and for some that is all that matters.
With that in mind, different tubes sound different and can sound different just by putting them in a different unit, you might want to talk to someone that knows the tubes he sells. This is Jim McShane. Talking to him and you will find out what differences you might hear swapping your current tubes for some nice NOS super desirable tube. In some cases these high buck tubes do not improve sound but they do sound different and for some that is all that matters.
I'm liking the sound of this... as I too am shopping for a tube preamp, especially among ARC's many choices.
Nice thread.:thmbsp:
I've been shopping for an ARC preamp since the SP-3/SP-3a1 was a new preamp, and received rave reviews in the absolute sound magazine.
Well, back then, I opted for the Mark Levinson ML-1 instead, and I don't regret that decision at all.
But, I've just bought a clean ST-70, so my enthusiasm for a tube preamp is back. Originally, the number of ARC preamps seemed a lot to digest. I just couldn't decide. Almost bought a PAS3 instead... almost.
Well, I do believe the LS15 is just what I'm looking for...
Now, all I have to do is break the piggy bank, and find a clean LS15.
Thanks for the recommendation.:thmbsp:
ARC LS15 LINK:
http://www.arcdb.ws/LS15/LS15.html
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