Audio Research sp 16 or sp 17?

I may have a decision to make between these two Audio Research pre-amps soon.

My understanding is that though they look similar, they are quite different internally, so I thought I'd solicit any feedback from the experts here.

The newer SP 17 will cost a significant premium but I might consider it if justified.

I have heard the sp 17 with my phono source and liked it very much (dead quiet) though it requires an additional step-up device to achieve proper levels.

I would not get to hear the sp 16 until after I would commit.

Also, I read a snippet on the web recently that Audio Research (the company) is being sold, which would seem like a big development, but have not seen anything otherwise that would confirm this. Is it true?