LS26... Opinions

[Randy Myers]

I am seriously considering a pre-owned LS26... if I did this the Benchmark would be put into pure DAC and headphone amp mode....

Any honest opinions on this pre-amplifier? Is it worth it or should I save for a LS27 or current model LS28. I don't believe I will be affording a Reference any time soon.

[Mikado463]

I had one, it's a fine line stage. While I'm not current as to used pricing on it vs. it's updated variants I'd be incline to purchase the best I could afford, again, all good.

[2fastdriving]

Randy, you crack me up. You keep saying you can't buy anything but here you are (I guess we all do it). But I think you'd love an LS26, or any ARC preamp. I don't have experience with that one, so unfortunately I can't give a first hand opinion except to say that there are no bad ARC preamps

[Randy Myers]

I am thinking a little down the road... trying to plan things out a bit...

[phunge]

I went from ARC LS26 to ARC Ref3 to VAC phi beta. While each move has been a step up, the LS26 was a wonderful preamp, and I really enjoyed my time with it. If I had been unable to upgrade I could easily still be happy with it in my system.

[GeAllan70]

this...

[Randy Myers]

Ok, I assume that is a LS28. So this will naturally lead me to ask why, LS26 -> LS27 -> LS28....

So what are the improvements? I read that the LS27 had beefed up some of the internal parts and a larger power supply... and the LS28???

[GeAllan70]

simply put...

i like my Volume knob on the right....where it should be...

[Randy Myers]

hehe... really... nothing about the LS28 having four tubes while the LS26 and LS27 only have two ... I agree volume on right feels more natural... but for the price differences ....

[GeAllan70]

if were counting tubes...



go for the inline 6....more horsepower.