I bought a used LS-16Mk2 on Audiogon last year, and I am consistently impressed with the dynamics, imaging and natural tonality of the unit. (It replaced a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 with Mullard tube.) My source is a Sony SCD XA777ES which has single-ended output only. Recently I tested the single-ended SP-17 in my system, which came close to the LS-16Mk2, lacking just a little in dynamics and presence. However, the fully balanced LS-17 (which I've not heard) offers some circuit enhancements over the LS-16Mk2. I would be willing to pay around $300 more for the newer model. But either one will bring you a lot of musical pleasure.
