Have ARC LS-16 Pre- what to upgrade to??

Try a BAT VK-30 SE. You'll be amazed.

I had the LS 16 while I was waiting for my LS 25 MKII. This is THE upgrade. Bass response is in a different league all together and the preamp is much much quiteter. It makes a big difference. Thankfully, it retains all of that glorious ARC sound. Not bright but a fully extended high end. There are only 2 tubes to worry about, the REF 2 has 11.

Sutts,
I was recently in your predicament and the preamps I've found which have these features: Sonic Frontiers, Mark Levinson,Conrad Johnson,Audio Research,Pass labs,and Anthem.

Coincedentally, I don't think the Ref 1 has processor bypass, instead I believe it has another tape loop.

The Sonic Frontiers 3 won't keep up with LS16. You'll need to go to LS25 or Ref 2 for tubes to best it. The LS25 doesn't sound much different than the LS16. I am yet to hear the LS25 mkII. The Pass Labs preamps are very clean. If you have the dough, and like your LS16, go ARC Ref 2.

I recently purchased the LS16 to go with my Lexicon MC1 and am currently very happy.

Best Regards,

Aaron

If you're talking about features and this price range, what about a SF Line 3? I don't have any direct comparison sound-wise between the two, but my understanding is that the Line 3 is top-notch (I have a Line 1 myself, that I greatly enjoy).

Any recomendations on tubes for LS-15 guys? Just got one used.

No_Money- It does- just considering a higher quality preamp. Rosstaman- thanks- good idea, in fact one of my good friends has the Ref 1 and loves it, but I like the even bigger soundstage/warmth of Ref 2 (since uses tube power supply as opposed to Ref 1 which does not). Only prob is that Ref 2 may sometimes be accused of having bass that isn't quite as tight as Ref 1. Maybe new Ref 2 MKII is answer, but too $$!!

The Ref II is awesome. I just upgraded from a LS15 to the Ref II and the difference in detail, soundstaging, and just plain air is amazing. Keep looking for a used one, many Ref II owners are selling and moving up to the mkII version. It is a 3k upgrade. I am using mine with a VT100 mkII, Dunlavy ScIIIs, and Synergistic Designer Ref cabling.

Hi Sutts My Anthem pre2L has what your looking for, but alas I don't think it will be in your league sonically. Best of luck!

No_Money- It does- just considering a higher quality preamp. Rosstaman- thanks- good idea, in fact one of my good friends has the Ref 1 and loves it, but I like the even bigger soundstage/warmth of Ref 2 (since uses tube power supply as opposed to Ref 1 which does not). Only prob is that Ref 2 may sometimes be accused of having bass that isn't quite as tight as Ref 1. Maybe new Ref 2 MKII is answer, but too $$!!

I thought ls-16 allready had a remote and processor loop??

I went from the ARC LS-16 to the ARC Ref I. Very satisfied. Greater detail in all ranges. Incredible soundstage with added depth. Using Meridian 508.24 CDP, Plinius SA100MKIII amp, Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers.

Hey George- how are ya? Thanks for the response (the ONLY one at this point, I might add!!). Agreed- lots of fab tube pre's m out there, but w processor bypass AND remote? Am I asking too much??!! Looks like I might be stickin' with Audio Research if the HT/2-channel remains integrated in same system...

Oh,to be in your dilemma. Hey buddy can you spare some change? My Jadis dealer says the more expensive jp80 / remote version doesn't sound as good as the non remote version.By the time you get up that high in the food chain,remote pres are less plentiful. There are many choices w/o.