Hi Nikhil,
Nice of you to have initiated this topic.
Hopefully it will widen horizons of those who want to look beyond what they can bring home, and appreciate advancements in technology, sound and product developments, in this wonderful hobby of ours.
The Audio Research Pre-Amp range, its best viewed it in 3 Tiers:
1. The LS 28 -
Single Chassis / JFET input + Valve Output + Solid State Supply : US$ 7,500
2. The Ref 6 -
Single Chassis /
Valve input + Valve Output +
Valve Power Supply : US$ 14,000
3. The Ref 10 -
Dual Chassis / Valve input + Valve Output + Valve Power Supply : US$ 30,000
The Sonic Characters of the Ref 6 is a (significant) sonic upgrade over the LS 28... as one would expect with the substantially higher price, not to mention the Valves at the input and in the Power Supply.
The Ref 10 on the other hand is a somewhat departure from the 'house sound' of the other two.
The Ref 10 places emphasis on refinement.... compared to the Get-Up-N-Go sound signatures of the LS 28 & Ref 6.
I have currently Upgraded to the Ref 6 and I remain amazed how much value my 9 year old the LS 26 (which I have put up for sale on this forum also) provides.
It is so expensive, I know this preamp is quite known in Audiogon world thanks to prolific thread started by a "crazy" dude whose mission in life seems to be to review every amp ever made in the world in his room.
But there are a ridiculous number of 30K$ + preamps that are well regarded.
How does this preamp compare to Shindo Giscours, Convergent Audio Black Path Ultimate, Nagra HD Preamp, Zanden, Robert Koda?
Any comparisons out there?
I prefer to structure my thinking by categorising each Brand by a "House Sound." Products within the same brand will typically provide a 'better' house sound....
Hence I would be reluctant to compare and condemn between Apples and Peaches... Far Better to TASTE an Apple & A Peach, and then see which YOU prefer.
Audio Shows provide these opportunities to sample 'apples & peaches'... and Must be visited by enthusiasts