Audio Research LS-16 Mk2 vs LS-17 preamp

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 ].

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