Actually the LS16MKI uses (4) 6922 tubes and is a pure tube
preamp, like the LS7. The LS16MKII uses the (2) 6H30 tubes.
According to the subject title, the OP is asking about the
MKI version
I have owned both versions of the LS16. I found the MKI to
be more tubey sounding and the MKII to be faster, cleaner,
but more solid state sounding. I have never owned the LS7,
but have heard it. It's a pretty nice sounding unit.
I'm not sure the LS16MKI would be that much of an upgrade
over the LS7. If you could sell the LS7 and add a few
hundred dollars to get the LS16MKI, I might consider that,
but I wouldn't pay a whole lot more for it.
You might consider saving up and stepping up to the LS26.
preamp, like the LS7. The LS16MKII uses the (2) 6H30 tubes.
According to the subject title, the OP is asking about the
MKI version
I have owned both versions of the LS16. I found the MKI to
be more tubey sounding and the MKII to be faster, cleaner,
but more solid state sounding. I have never owned the LS7,
but have heard it. It's a pretty nice sounding unit.
I'm not sure the LS16MKI would be that much of an upgrade
over the LS7. If you could sell the LS7 and add a few
hundred dollars to get the LS16MKI, I might consider that,
but I wouldn't pay a whole lot more for it.
You might consider saving up and stepping up to the LS26.