Audio Research LS-16 Mk2 vs LS-17 preamp

I've never heard the 17 but if you like a linestage that has weak bass, a glaring upper mid and no dynamics get the 16.

Rwwear...here we go again. I owned the LS16MKII for almost 2 years and found it to have excellent bass response and control, a wide and deep soundstage, open and smooth mids and just a wonderful presentation. I did use the 6H30 "DR" tubes in it, but the stock 6H30 tubes are excellent. The "DR" tubes takes an already great performer up a notch or two.

You have mentioned your dislike for the LS16MKII before, but you've never said you actually owned one and heard it in YOUR system, in YOUR room and with YOUR music? If you heard it in passing at a show or at a dealer, that doesn't really count for much does it? Maybe you heard a defective unit or one that wasn't warmed up/broken in yet. I have read every online review, (which there are many) from professional to consumer and NONE of them agree with your comments? Humph?

Valhalla, the LS16MKII is a wonderful piece of gear as is the LS17. I haven't A/Bed the two, but I think you would be happy with either one.

Bravo Mofimadness for your response to Rwwear, I totally agree. I to have had the LS-16mkII and found it to be(in my system)just as Mofimadness articulated a very good preamp in that price range.
Valhalla, I like nobody else can tell you how a component is going to sound in your system because so many other vaiables come into play such as: associated equipment, speakers, cables(interconnect & power)and room size. It would be helpful however to know what other components makeup the rest of your system.
To conclude, I would like to quote Art Dudley who I think summed it up best when he said "Most domestic playback products have a sound all their own.
The effectiveness of most domestic playback products very much depends on the rest of the system with which they will be used, as well as the room, the climate and the physiology and the psychology of the listerner"
I think most folks who utilize this forum would do well to consider these words before responding to questions about different components and their sound.

A friend of mine bought the 16MK II and I tried it for a week in my system. He didn't like it either even with his ARC amp. He sold it. Why would I be so adamant about my dislike of this linestage without reason. There are many less expensive linestages that sound much better. I tried three different linestages at the same time and the 16 was by far the worst. I'm sorry you guys couldn't hear it.