High definition, female voices are reproduced extremely well, good soundstage, high value for the price paid

Mid-highs a little harsh with low priced tube, but improve greatly with tube upgrading.

This is one sweetheart of a pre-amp. I was using an integrated before this. Now I am able to bi-amp properly and at the same time run a balanced line to my remote amp for an alternative rock and roll high gain experience. I purchased the unit used but in excellent condition. I changed the tube to a JJ, which upgraded the sound to a more liquid and musical level (highly recommended). I run my CD player balanced out to the balanced input (direct). This has been the best used product I have ever purchased. ARC was kind enough to provide me with a small piece of cosmetic hardware. It sounds best kept on all the time due to its hybrid design, but will warm up nicely in about an hour if you choose not to leave it on. Attenuation stages are precise and there is plenty of gain to match any low output sources (phono pre-amp necessary). I use it mainly with my dual 300B power amp. What a rich, blooming character the music has!

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First pre-amp

Very musically

Nil

This is the best per-amp I ever had.

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Krell Mark Audio note

Only 1 tube so you don''t have to find matched tubes!

Fixed power cord.

Wonderful preamp.;it was replacing a CJ PV10A.You have to replace the sovtech for a NOS tube (in my case an Amperex PQ).Can be used with a SS or tube amp with great effect on the quality of the music.

Very sweet and delicate. I have found amprex [ 1962 to 66 ] 7308 and tele. to be some really great choices. I will have it for many years. It is really inexpensive to roll tubes because it''s only one tube. I wouldn''t want to spend 100 to 200 x 6 for other preamps

Nothing really scratches me the wrong way

This unit still holds it''s head high even against Ls15 not enough diff. for me to change.This unit is very tube sensitive and as someone said if you tube roll you can come up with some really diff. sounds.Love it.

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modulas threshold t3

Bigger soundstage , High speed and tight bass , claen , airy. uncoloration in Mid range.

A liitle lack of bass ,

As you know this preamp may be the most popular product of ARC , I think. Many reviwes were using this preamp as reference compoments when they make stereo system review report.
Therfore I bought a used one with good condition . After my short time listening , it own the much diffenrent characters comapring with my previous preamp .
The first point is bigger sound stage and superb deepth. But the bass power is a little bit lacking , so I would like to use MIT speaker cable to imporve it .
Is there any one can advise me how to get the bass power back?

My system;
Linn LP12( Vahella) , supex 900MKIIII catridage.
ESTI CD transporter
Sonic Frontiers SFD1-II , D/A
Preamp : ARC LS2B MKII
Power amp : Bryston 4BST
Speakers: Platinum SOLO
Cable : Acrotec and Straight Wire ENCOREII and Monitor Cobra 4S speaker cable.

God bless every audiophile can get the balance between Audio/Music and family.

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Klimo Merlin ( made in Germany)

Bass,mids

Could use a little more air in the midrange.

For a older preamp it is still hard to flaw.Sure todays preamps are better,but not by much. And not for the cost difference it's just hard to justify,even with Arcs products.

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CJ Adcom Krell BAT

ARC brand name, build quality, dynamic yet natural sound

w/o remote control

I basiclly agree on what previous reviewers have said. A very good line stage. However, I disagree that MKII or MKIIB sounds better. LS2 sound warmer and more musical while the other two sounds more hi-fi. In fact, original LS2 is much more respected than the other models according to many magazine editor.

The other thing I like to add is that this amp is very tube sensitive. Please do some tube rolling to find the best tube in your system. Right now, I use Holland made Amperex BB 6dj8 in it. After using this tube, I basicly found the original tube un-audible. I already bought a Telefunken Ecc88 and am looking forward to experiment with it once I got it.

In short, AR LS2 is the best value if you can find a beautiful used one.

Jack

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Kebschull L35, MBL 5010

Perfect-speed, best of both world (Tube/SS)

No phono stage

Performs superbly, forgiven on average amps well define good amps. Once match it up good amp such as Aragon 8002/8008, Mccormack DNA-1, Plinius SA-100 so on... and with some fine CD player through direct input nothing around this price can catch-up...

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Sonic Frontiers SFL-2

very transparent, great mids, dynamics

Little. Has been my reference for 6 years

LS 2B is a big improvement over non-balanced LS2. Use this unit in direct mode (by-pass switches in the unit) and it is truly class A sound (rated class A by stereophile until discontinued). I substituted Russian Sovtek tube for original and there was a big difference. Sound is very transparent without coloration, without any grain or edginess. Truly a bargain at used prices.

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SFL 2, Line 2, EAD Theatremaster, several CJ's

Fast, details, transparent, huge sound stage. Perfect bass, mid and high. Very natural sound. Use only one 6DJ8 tube

Nil

Perfect pre-amp. Smooth, dynamic. Mid and High are just right, especially for vocal and string instruments. Perfect match with Monarchy Audio SE-100 deluxe mono blocks. Upgrade from CJ and what a difference. Direct input for CD is ... amazing. Was Stereophile class A from early 90's to mid 90's.