Expired
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Great sounding preamp in solid condition. Power switch was replaced with an aftermarket switch. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking!
A solid-name preamp, but this asking price is above the current used market anchor. At US$1,500, it sits above the US$1,250 median and even above the US$1,375 75th percentile, so it reads as ambitious rather than a bargain.
That said, the LS3 is well regarded for a clean, musical line-stage presentation and is a sensible buy if you want Audio Research character without stepping into the more expensive tiers. If the unit is genuinely clean, fully functional, and ideally includes original packaging or service history, the premium is easier to justify. With condition listed as unknown, I’d want clear photos, proof of operation, and any maintenance details before paying top-of-market money.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio Research Corporation, founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by William Z. Johnson, traces its roots to his pioneering work in custom audio electronics during the 1950s and his operation of a specialty retail store through the mid-1960s. After a brief stint selling his designs to a larger firm, Johnson regained independence to establish ARC with a singular mission: advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. From modest beginnings in the back of his shop, the company evolved into one of America's oldest continuously operating high-end audio manufacturers, now housed in a state-of-the-art 48,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
ARC specializes in performance-driven electronics, renowned for vacuum-tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and electronic crossovers that emphasize sonic purity over flashy features or aesthetics. Drawing on circuit designs rooted in the 1950s, the brand integrates tubes into modern contexts, delivering what it calls "high definition" sound through genuine technological advances. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, ARC's focused lineup prioritizes amplifiers and preamps that set benchmarks for musical realism.
Positioned at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Audio Research is hailed as a true originator of the genre, commanding respect among audiophiles for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Enduring the 1970s tube revival against solid-state dominance, ARC thrives via elite specialist retailers worldwide, standing alongside peers like Conrad-Johnson as a vintage-inspired yet forward-thinking force in the niche boutique market.
See all Audio Research listings on RADAR.
