Audio Research LS-16 Mk2 vs LS-17 preamp

CK,

From what I have read and heard, I suspect you are right about that.

Well Mapman, we should get together as I have a LS16MKII on its way to me and we could do a simple comparison to see how noticeable the difference is in SE v SE and SE v Balanced. I am in tne midwest.

I just purchased a LS 16 Mk II and will leave feedback when I have it
shipped. Currently I'm using a SE SP 9 Mk II, and really like it's
performance for the past several years. I've driven many amps, likethe CJ MV 45, CJ Premier 4, AR VS 60 and the AR VT 50 [note the
AR VT 50 is the only balanced preamp, and appears to be a good
matchup to the LS 16 MkII ].

I have owned an Audio Research L 16 Mark II for four years now I originally bought it off of crunch audio always wanted a tube preamplifier now when I first got it it did not sound very good I was new to tubes then I found out why I change the tubes my jaw dropped what a shame I had it put away for 2 years in the closet did not know it had the original tubes in it they were worn out I play my preamplifier through a McIntosh 302 power amplifier going into a set of tannoy Revolution xt8f speakers my sound is incredible my bass is deep and Rich not muddy but very recognizable and these aren't power house speakers for bass I had a Cambridge digital preamplifier it did not have very warm sound this preamplifier is definitely staying in my system and yes you do have to match stereo equipment up it can be different makes but some won't sound as good as others I have the sound I've always wanted with different makes of products it makes my hair stand up on my arms when I listen to David Gilmour playing his electric guitar so I must have done something right it's a damn good preamp I think

LS16 and LS 16mk2 are two tottaly differents preamps.

LS16 is fully tube and will play exellent with tube sourse as

dac 3 CD7 and tube amp but mk2 not.

If you have sourse base or

chips or power amp solid then you mk2 can win

because is hybrid.

SAY THIS IS BETTER OR THAT IS BETTER IS TYPICAL 

NOT ADVANCE ACOUSTIC MUSIC LISTENERS  LACK 

OF SENCE THAT SYSTEM IS MULTIPLY OF ALL ELEMENTS 

FROM INSTRUMENT TO LISTENING ROOM. 

If preamp do not have feedback i would search

with feedback . if sourse is fully ballanced keep going

this way.

Some components have to be the same company

to play even. Chip volume control make 20-25 %

disadventage  compare to analog potenciometer but

is 20 times chiper.