2. amps-preamps
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Caps and Tubes

My pre-amp is an Audio Research LS-16. It was more or less inherited. It is the only pre-amp I have ever owned.

Looking down into it through the screen on top there are four large capacitors that say "Wonder InfiniCap". There are some numeric specs on them as well.

I'm wondering if these were original to the unit or added later as an upgrade. It has four fairly large tubes. They do not appear to have anything written on them that I can see. I'm wondering how to know if these are the original tubes.

This is all academic since there is little or no chance that I'd hear much difference between different types of caps and tubes but I'd still like to know if they were original or not. Of course if no one knows I can contact AR.

Thanks,

George
n80
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,506 posts
 
Lots of opinions. Ha! @atmasphere is right as usual in that it is best to replace those old electrolytic caps as a prudent preventive maintenance step.  They are old and certainly have started to dry out with time. 

Those coupling caps you mentioned are very easy to replace. Any good tech or experienced DIYer could do it within 30 minutes. You can do much better in SQ than those dated caps. Many good ones to choose from that will improve the sound quality nicely. No need to, but just a nice to upgrade in the future.  
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
I used to own the LS16/PH3 combo, very nice gear but tell the truth, the thing yr most psyched about is the remote, right?  I knew it!;)
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Thanks for the advice and references. Will do some reading at the AR database. 

Chazro, no remote. And AR no longer have them in inventory. Fortunately a programmable remote works for volume. But nothing else. 
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