If you do a search here you will find at least two threads which address your question and which were helpful to me when making my decision. I haven't compared them but FWIW am in love with my LS-26.
The LS17 is a wonderful preamp, but the LS26 is close to the best you can buy. Get the LS26 and not lose any more sleep...well, unless you are staying up all night listening to the LS26 :-)
I'm in lust with the LS-26. I know I won't be able to afford the REF3 so the LS-26 is the next best thing for me. Besides the sound I love the front panel!
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