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

[Jerome W]

Hum.... Interesting !
The LS27 better than the REF 5 ?

[Jerome W]

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?

Laurent,
Are you thinking about a separation with the Monbrison ?

[Cellindo]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Laurent,
Are you thinking about a separation with the Monbrison ?

This would break my heart. But I could have two preamps; the SHINDO for LP/vinyl and an ARC fully balanced linestage for CD.
Something like that...

[markmck79]

Turntable quoted my earlier post, so I won't elaborate much more. The REF5 is marginally better than the LS27, though the 27 clearly betters it in some important respects. As always YMMV based upon the trade-offs and attributes you listen for, as well as your pocket book. If you clearly appreciate the direction ARC has moved in for the last 5-10 years, consistently striving for the most accurate tube reproduction, then the REF40 or LS27 are likely more for you. If you are a tube traditionalist that is willing to give up a bit of accuracy at frequency extremes for tube magic in the midrange, well the REF5 is more your cup of tea. That being said, the REF5 is still more neutral than probably 95% of tube pres out there, just ARC has advanced the art since the REF5 design was released (mostly with advances in power supplies and newly designed proprietary caps).

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by markmck79

Turntable quoted my earlier post, so I won't elaborate much more. The REF5 is marginally better than the LS27, though the 27 clearly betters it in some important respects. As always YMMV based upon the trade-offs and attributes you listen for, as well as your pocket book. If you clearly appreciate the direction ARC has moved in for the last 5-10 years, consistently striving for the most accurate tube reproduction, then the REF40 or LS27 are likely more for you. If you are a tube traditionalist that is willing to give up a bit of accuracy at frequency extremes for tube magic in the midrange, well the REF5 is more your cup of tea. That being said, the REF5 is still more neutral than probably 95% of tube pres out there, just ARC has advanced the art since the REF5 design was released (mostly with advances in power supplies and newly designed proprietary caps).

Hum..., with the cease of the production of the REF40, what you are saying may be announcing the REF 6 ...

[markmck79]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Hum..., with the cease of the production of the REF40, what you are saying may be announcing the REF 6 ...

I'm sure it is only a matter of time until we see the next REF pre, if for no other reason than for ARC to update the aesthetics to the new silver handle/silver button appearance - especially with the introduction of the REF150 & REF250 sporting the "new look". I'm sure they will also use the opportunity to make evolutionary internal upgrades...

[Underhill]

I guess that the Ref 5SE was the next step