Audio Research LS-27 Review from Soundstage.com...

[cmalak]

The LS-27 received Soundstage.com's Reviewers Choice award: Audio Research LS27 Preamplifier

[Ritmo]

Cyril - Thanks for posting.

Mike

[turntable]

The LS27 is a great sounding pre amp.

I disagree that the high gain is the best sounding thou. The mid or low gain to my ears was more pure. High gain more forward and hurried in comparison. My system has reasonably high gain, so perhaps that was one reason. That the different gain setting from high to mid had such a large ( comparitively) change in sound always had me somewhat perplexed.

[Ritmo]

I agree. I run my LS27 in low gain. Find it to be really musical at this level.

Mike

[TMcD]

ARC keeps hitting home runs!!!

[BillK]

If I ever find a dealer with one I could audition…

All my local dealers have LS-17s, if that.

[Cellindo]

If one has to compare a LS27 and a REF 5, what are the main sonic differences?

Also, I've been told that as a pure symetrical preamp the vintage LS5 Mk2 is a bargain with a very organic musical reproduction. Most probably less transparent than current ARC production but the internet buzz is stating it is kind of "magical". Any comment on that older preamp too?

[cmalak]

Cellindo...I believe Sege (PHC1) recently had an opportunity to compare the Ref 5 and the LS-27 and preferred the Ref 5 (eventhough he ended up going with the Ref 40 Anniv ). You may want to send him a PM in case he does not see this thread to get his input

[turntable]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

If one has to compare a LS27 and a REF 5, what are the main sonic differences?

Also, I've been told that as a pure symetrical preamp the vintage LS5 Mk2 is a bargain with a very organic musical reproduction. Most probably less transparent than current ARC production but the internet buzz is stating it is kind of "magical". Any comment on that older preamp too?

Here is one opinion from the previous REF5 / LS27 thread

Originally Posted by markmck79

I haven't heard the 27 compared to 5 head-on, but I have heard both at different times in the same system. The most objective thing I can say is that the 27 is quieter and has better bass control. The 5 might have had a bit more midrange magic, but it was a close race and the quiet of the 27 was very nice. Ultimately my dealer sold his REF5 demo to carry the REF40 and LS27.

[avsBuddy]

To me this actually sounds like a praise towards LS27