Audio Research Reference 3 VS LS 27 Preamplifiers

Secretariat

VIP/Donor
Feb 28, 2017
16
1
108
Philippines
Has anyone out there ever had any experiences with both the Audio Research Reference 3 and LS 27 preamplifiers? If yes, how do they compare to each other? Which do you feel is the better sounding preamplifier? And why? The reason for me asking is because I am debating which to get between the two of them and the problem is I won't be able to do a side by side comparison between the AR Reference 3 and LS 27 preamplifiers as I shall be getting either of them second hand and the 2 different owners who are selling them live quite far from each other. For your information, I live here in the Philippines.
Thanks in advance.
 

analog brother

New Member
Jan 20, 2014
233
3
0
reference is always better.
the only downside is that it costs more.
it's like mercedes s-class vs c-class.
if you can, stretch for 5se.
 

tdh888

Well-Known Member
Nov 4, 2010
298
28
935
Philippines
+1 to analog brother's suggestion . Stretch your budget and get the 5SE . A preowned 5SE is available from our local ARC dealer get in touch w/ him. Maybe he has LS27 , REF 3 as well you can audition all 3 . Call him 02 840 4095
 

twitch

Well-Known Member
Jun 17, 2010
594
236
1,605
SE Pa
It all depends on your system as a whole, is the ref above the LS27 (which I own and love) ....yes. But if it's well down the chain on your 'weakest link' the only thing you enhance is your ego and bragging rights on the forums !

kinda reminds me of the clowns that spend stupid $$ on cables to address room / acoustic anomalies ...........
 

Lee

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2011
3,186
1,717
1,260
Alpharetta, Georgia
Good advice here imho. I made the move from Ref3 to Ref 5SE and it was a big jump in sound quality although the Ref3 is excellent.

+1 to analog brother's suggestion . Stretch your budget and get the 5SE . A preowned 5SE is available from our local ARC dealer get in touch w/ him. Maybe he has LS27 , REF 3 as well you can audition all 3 . Call him 02 840 4095
 

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