Audio Research LS26 vs. Conrad Johnson ET3SE

[g_georgi]

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a preamp to pair with my McIntosh MC275.

I have the opportunity to purchase either a LS26 or ET3SE for about the same price from different sellers. I have previously heard the ET3 (non-SE) and liked what I heard but have never auditioned an AR pre.

Wondering if both will work well with the McIntosh and what to expect in terms of sound quality.

I see that the LS26 offers both balance and unbalance outputs as well as some additional features (tube hour counter, different gain settings, etc). The ET3SE seems to be more basic in functionality but may use better internal components.

Curious to hear your opinions.

PS: The McIntosh C22, C2300 and C2500 fall outside of my budget at this time. I also don't need phono.

[Mikado463]

While I've not listen through the CJ, I've owned some of their other variants as well as the ARC LS-26 (currently using a LS-27). The best way to describe the difference IMO between CJ and ARC is that ARC tends to be neutral whereas CJ adds a bit more warmth (euphoric distortion) if you will.

Truth is only YOUR ears can decide !

[g_georgi]

Hi Mikado,

Thanks for your input. Ideally a demo would be best but I'm buying second hand from sellers that our located outside of my immediate area.

The LS26 is interesting to me because of its feature set. It had a significantly higher MSRP of $5,995 when it was being produced vs. $4,500 for the ET3SE today so I'm wondering if it's a better pre in the end.

As I mentioned, I've heard the ET3 (non-SE) in person and liked what I heard. I haven't had a chance to hear Audio Research equipment in person before so I'm hoping other forum members will chime in with their input.

[Jerome W]

Imho you cannot go wrong with either preamp.
But my guess is that the LS26 may have a better synergy with the 275, because this amp tends to be on the warm and sweet side.
The CJ may be too much of a good thing with the 275. Just a guess because I never heard this CJ.
I own the Premier 17LS and the GAT.

[triode12]

Are you situated in the US where you can send the unit back to CJ for repair easily?

If not, I would pick the ARC instead. Why? Because, CJ uses proprietary parts like very odd value Vishay resistors which are not available from electronics parts supply companies. And if your unit needs repair and is no longer under warranty, CJ charges a lot to supply those parts. e.g. $400 for a resistor.

I was charged $50 for a few screws and grommets for my CJ preamp.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by triode12

Are you situated in the US where you can send the unit back to CJ for repair easily? If not, I would pick the ARC instead. Why? Because, CJ uses proprietary parts like very odd value Vishay resistors which are not available from electronics parts supply companies. And if your unit needs repair and is no longer under warranty, CJ charges a lot to supply those parts. e.g. $400 for a resistor. I was charged $50 for a few screws and grommets for my CJ preamp.

Ouch !!

[The Lost Bears]

I have not heard the ET3SE but I have heard other Conrad Johnson preamps. The house Sound of Conrad Johnson and Audio Research is very different. The only way you will truly know which works better in your system is to try them both.

I will say that Audio Research service has always been great. Even when I sent a 20 year old amp in for new caps. They went completely through the whole amp and made sure it worked perfectly.