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March 8, 2022, 05:29 PM #1Junior Member
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Audio Research LS28SE vs Esoteric C-03XS
I Have owned an Esoteric C-03x pre-amp for about 5 years. I have the itch to upgrade and found these 2 preamps are in my price range.
I was talking to my local dealer and they recommended an LS28SE over the C-03XS. I know the LS28SE has tubes.
Has anyone had experience with both of these. Is the LS28SE a good way to go.
I would be pairing it with a K-03XD and Bryston 28B3's.
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May 28, 2022, 07:24 AM #2Senior Member
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Re: Audio Research LS28SE vs Esoteric C-03XS
strangely enough if i had a choice i would have the esoteric . the ls28se may well be a sideways move . to get better you would have to go ref 5se or ref6 imho
1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
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May 28, 2022, 12:53 PM #3Junior Member
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Re: Audio Research LS28SE vs Esoteric C-03XS
The ref6 SE was out of my price range but one came up for sale(they claim mint only 4 months old), that would be possible. One problem is i would be buying blind, and hope i liked the sound. I have never heard an ARC before. The other problem is the current tube situation.
I like the top end of the C-03x, but find the bottom end a bit lacking. I tried it in a friends system who also owns Bryston and PMC speakers, and got the exact same sound. Not sure if the higher end Esoteric(like C-02x) has more lower end. Again unable to try, so a lot of $$$ to do a test.
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May 28, 2022, 09:48 PM #4Senior Member
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Re: Audio Research LS28SE vs Esoteric C-03XS
ARC has a distinct sound, I would really recommend waiting until you have a listen or buy with return option. Not saying anything negative, it's not good to buy without having an idea of the sonic character.
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June 2, 2022, 02:57 PM #5Senior Member
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Re: Audio Research LS28SE vs Esoteric C-03XS
I'm an ARC fan but, I agree with Mr P. Find some way to listen to one with a speaker some what similar to yours.
As far as tubes the LS28E is only 4 6H30p you should get about 4000 hours on before replacement. It is an ongoing expense to keep in mind. All depends on how you feel about the amp.Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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