Audio Research LS-16 Mk2 vs LS-17 preamp

Hello-
Just as a further note.
You could go to the arcdb site and take a look at the pictures of the internal layout. It is different, not to mention the LS-16 has balanced inputs and outputs.

Mapman, I have no doubt that your SP16 was an excellent value. I do not suggest for a moment that the SP16 is not an excellent preamplifier and one that many, many audiofiles could completely enjoy. I was just trying to clarify for other viewers that there are some differences.

Though I have to be honest and suspect the running the LS16 in SE mode vs. the SP16 in its only available SE mode may be much less significant than the LS16 in balanced v SP16 in SE. I think this may be part of the price/performance difference (+ remote). I have heard many people comment that the ARC units capable of running in balanced perform noticeably better this way vs. running the same in the SE mode.

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 ].