From my understanding of ARC, their stuff below reference level is not really that good enough, like the LS26 example that you give. The LS27 was supposed to be good, but almost everyone says it was bright compred to Ref 3
So the LS27 is bright and the LS 26 is shite - and both overpriced. So what do you recommend as an alternative ? I was led to believe that ARC made great preamps I'm glad I've come across this thread please explain further.