LS-25MkII vs. LS-17 ?

[pstrisik]

Costs aside, I'm looking for opinions on differences between the LS-25MkII and LS-17 preamps performance wise. I've got a handle on the differences aesthetically and in interface/controls.

Thanks.........Peter

[pstrisik]

Well, someone grabbed the LS25MkII before me, but I did just grab a LS17 from audiogon, so decision is made.

Now I will need a decent, entry level DAC. The bulk of my two channel listening is with files from NAS though a media player (Dune). I'm sure the media player's DAC is not the best (I was bit streaming to an Onkyo pre/pro). So, I'd like to add a DAC in the chain. I'm figuring a starter one at this point (under $800 - used ok). Tube would be great, but not necessary as long as it isn't grainy in the higher freqs. Need 24/192 and don't want to hit any switches when changing resolution. USB is not necessary. Balanced isn't necessary.

Any recommendations for what to research in that range to feed the ARC? And, in general, what DAC chips are considered better than others (eg, Wolfson?)

Thanks for any input.
.
.......Peter

[KeithR]

I had an ARC LS25MK1 and it sounded like crud. I suggest looking for an older Ref series preamplifier with tube rectification.

[Mikado463]

hey Keith....did you read his second post ?

[Ritmo]

Peter,

Congrats on the LS17. In case you are not aware, ARC offers an "SE" upgrade to the 17. You may want to contact ARC for details on that upgrade.

Thanks,
Mike

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Peter,

Congrats on the LS17. In case you are not aware, ARC offers an "SE" upgrade to the 17. You may want to contact ARC for details on that upgrade.

Thanks,
Mike

Too soon!! I won't receive the preamp until next week. Will settle in for a while. I'm upgrading all the way around and this is light years ahead of where I'm coming from. I hope to be happy for a little while anyway!

........Peter

[Sharp 1080]

Originally Posted by pstrisik

Too soon!! I won't receive the preamp until next week. Will settle in for a while. I'm upgrading all the way around and this is light years ahead of where I'm coming from. I hope to be happy for a little while anyway!

........Peter

You will for awhile and then the if it sounds this nice now, I wonder how will it sound as an SE upgrade will slowly creep into your mind. I upgraded every single Audio Research preamp or line stage I ever owned. Each upgrade was worth it! Congratulations and enjoy.

[SundayNiagara]

"Any recommendations for what to research in that range to feed the ARC? And, in general, what DAC chips are considered better than others (eg, Wolfson?)"

The most important part of "DAC," is "A," as in how good is the analog circuitry after the conversion.