Price Paid:  $490.00 from ebay

Summary:
I have owned an LS3 for about 1 year. I have found it to have great depth and detail (with good source material). The LS3 is dead silent. The program source makes the biggest difference. Poor recordings can sometimes sound quite harsh, yet good recordings just blossom with impact, speed and realism. It is very detailed and engaging. I can see why some reviewers didn't care for it (maybe GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT?). Its a great value on today's used market. I would buy it again. I like it better than any other preamp I have used to date. I am satisfied with it today. I might try something different tomorrow. Current system, Richard Gray 400, Linn LP12-Ittock-Denon 103D, Marantz SA 8260, LS3, ARC VT200, Magnepan 3.6, Analysis Plus Oval 9 and Kinber Hero.

Strengths:
Excelent Sound Quailty, Price Value. It's a keeper!

Weaknesses:
None , I have had no problems

Similar Products Used:
ARC SP6b, Counterpoint, VanAlstine Super PAS 3, VanAlsitne OmegaStar EX.

Price Paid:  $595.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
I did not care for this product either. It is beyond me how Stereophile gave this a Class A recommendation. I much prefered the Audio Research LS9 which is the replacement for the LS3. In fact I love the sound of the LS9. The LS3 sounds very average. Not a very musical sounding or involving preamp! I was thrilled I was able to sell it!

Strengths:
Looks

Weaknesses:
Sound

Similar Products Used:
ARC, CJ, and many other preamps

Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
I didn't care for this preamp. I bought it based on the reviews but I found it lacking emotion and musicality. I compared it head-to-head in my sytem with 3 other preamps and the LS3b came in last in my rankings. The competition was: Conrad Johnson PV10, Classe CP50, McIntosh C712.

It is detailed but no more than the others. I heard the same things and no more. However, musicality was poor, texture was lacking, and the soundstage was flat. My roommate which isn't into audio agreed with me on all accounts. He could hear it just as well as me.

The top contender was the CP50, followed by the C712, PV10, and finally LS3b.

System synergy is paramount so I always list my associated equipment. Otherwise, the review is meaningless since the reference and context is missing. I use JM Lab Electra 926 speakers, McIntosh MC7200 amplifier, a Jolida JD100 tube cd player, and all MIT cables.

I have treated and tested my room to make sure my frequency response is accurate so that I can rely on my opinions. This is all too often overlooked by reviewers.

Strengths:
detailed, renowned company makes reselling easy

Weaknesses:
no 3D imaging, very little emotion and musicality. The life in the music was missing.

cheap remote for a $500 option.

Similar Products Used:
see above

Price Paid:  $575.00 from Audiogon.com

Summary:
The LS3 and associated equipment represent my first hi end purchases. The LS3 is stunning in it's clarity, detail and utter simplicity. I am continually struck by the detail I am hearing in pieces I have owned for years and have been listening to on a midfi system. From small ensemble baroque to big symphonic pieces to jazz to rock music the LS3’s performance has been beyond reproach.

I must credit part of my success with pairing the LS3 with class A equipment. I am using a Naim CDX and feed it to the LS3 via the ‘direct’ mode; what a pure sound, analogue like in warmth ( but with no coloration ).

I am further impressed that I am able to feed my home theater system into the video feed on the LS3 (using my receiver’s pre-out); this lets my system do ‘double duty’ as 2 channel and theater with NO comprimise on the 2 channel side.

Associated equipment:

ARC LS3 Preamp
Revel F30 loudspeakers
Naim CDX CD player
Bryston 4B-ST Amp
Kimber Monocle-XL Speaker cables
Kimber Hero Interconnects

Strengths:
detail
accuracy
simplicity
clarity
price (used)

Weaknesses:
None found yet

Price Paid:  $575.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
The LS3 and associated equipment represent my first hi end purchases. The LS3 is stunning in it's clarity, detail and utter simplicity. I am continually struck by the detail I am hearing in pieces I have owned for years and have been listening to on a midfi system. From small ensemble baroque to big symphonic pieces to jazz to rock music the LS3’s performance has been beyond reproach.

I must credit part of my success with pairing the LS3 with class A equipment. I am using a Naim CDX and feed it to the LS3 via the ‘direct’ mode; what a pure sound, analogue like in warmth ( but with no coloration ).

I am further impressed that I am able to feed my home theater system into the video feed on the LS3 (using my receiver’s pre-out); this lets my system do ‘double duty’ as 2 channel and theater with NO comprimise on the 2 channel side.

Associated equipment:

ARC LS3 Preamp
Revel F30 loudspeakers
Naim CDX CD player
Bryston 4B-ST Amp
Kimber Monocle-XL Speaker cables
Kimber Hero Interconnects

Strengths:
detail
accuracy
simplicity
clarity
price (used)

Weaknesses:
None yet found