Audio Research LS 16 opinions.


Anyone heard the new Audio Research LS 16 preamp? I am running NHT 2.9's with a Classe CA200 through a Classe SSP-25 pre-pro. Since the LS 16 has a processor by-pass feature, I am thinking it would be a good way to improve my two channel sound, get some tubes in my system, and still use my main amp and speakers for HT. Are there any other tube line stage preamps with processor by-pass?
jsbail9d05
I have an LS-16 front-ended by a GenVa, and front-ending an Aragon 8008BB and Dynaudio Contour 3.0's. The preamp is very transparent and very neutral -- you won't get a "tubey," glowing coloration from this preamp, even though it uses four 6922's -- but you also won't get any added solid-state hash, grain, or grit.
I recently sent my ARC LS9 to the dealer to fix a broken solder, and he gave me a LS16 as a loaner. The LS16 never went back! It's mated with a ARC D130 into Magnepan MG 10's. A great combination. Extremely transparant. You can't go wrong with the LS16.
According to ARC the LS16 will eventually be updated to MKII status (perhaps before the summer) so maybe you should
wait and see what happens. Good Luck!