2. amps-preamps
  3. 139648-115924

Caps and Tubes

My pre-amp is an Audio Research LS-16. It was more or less inherited. It is the only pre-amp I have ever owned.

Looking down into it through the screen on top there are four large capacitors that say "Wonder InfiniCap". There are some numeric specs on them as well.

I'm wondering if these were original to the unit or added later as an upgrade. It has four fairly large tubes. They do not appear to have anything written on them that I can see. I'm wondering how to know if these are the original tubes.

This is all academic since there is little or no chance that I'd hear much difference between different types of caps and tubes but I'd still like to know if they were original or not. Of course if no one knows I can contact AR.

Thanks,

George
n80

Showing 3 responses by roberjerman

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Those Wonder Caps might be replacements! What are the tube designations? Does the preamp work?
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Congratulations on acquiring a fine preamp! I expect you will get years of use from it! The 6922/ECC88's are an excellent choice for preamps/phono stages! Wide bandwidth and low distortion! Also no problem getting replacements - they had widespread industrial use in oscilloscopes. And still in current production - though I prefer older ones! The Russian military used them and those are the least expensive ones available - but still well-built and sounding fine. I might have some in my collection!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Any markings will be on the sides! I suspect that current ARC production uses Russian 6922's. Nothing wrong with that! Tube snobs will say that only vintage Telefunken's are worth using. Sure, if one wants to pay $150+ per tube! Me, I'll stick with the vintage Russian or American ones!
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