Audio Research LS3 solid state - Amazing Holography

[Deedy]

I've got an ARC LS3 preamp paired with a P5Pro Dartzeel 108B clone power amp. It is an amazing combo. I bought the Cary SLP90 clone tube preamp (as per Hifi Zone's recommendation on Youtube) with the Dartzeel.

Can someone knowledgeable in these things explain why this 30 yo ARC preamp performs so well and dominates this tube amp which is famous for 3D soundstage?

Furthermore, how hard would it be to overhaul the ARC LS3? I've been quoted silly prices. Can a newbie do it himself?

Lastly, are there any sub $1k preamps that perform like an ARC line stage? Chifi clone or otherwise? It may not be economical to recap the LS3 and I need a plan B...

Many thanks!

 

[rayma]

Why would you want to do any work on the preamp if it sounds so good?
And what if it does not sound as good (or function at all) after working on it? This happens rather frequently.

 

[Deedy]

The tracks on the board are corroded and it has lived a rough life. At 30 years of age I was under the impression these things need overhauling. At least to do some preemptive work to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic failure

 

[UserAbuser]

You ask how hard it would be to do an overhaul.
You say it's to expensive for a skilled person to do this.
Then that it has corroded tracks..

Pardon me for being blunt but.
Before you do anything to it that will make some of us cry.
Sell it, and buy a new something else under your $1,000.00 search.

I've seen and repaired the damage of the 'well intentioned and unskilled'.
It makes the labour costs skyrocket because I have to undo the carnage before I can put it together, Then fix whatever issues it has inherited.

 

[Deedy]

Thanks, I value the blunt feedback. Still curious why this 30 year solid state tech performs so well. Maybe it's the ARC touch