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 1 response by tubegb

George,

 

This subject has been pretty well covered, so just additional affirmation from a former ARC LS16 owner:

 

  1. The Wonder InfiniCaps™ are definitely stock.
  2. The ARC Database is a wonderful reference tool but know it is not in any way affiliated with the Audio Research Corporation.
  3. If you plan on keeping your LS16 for a while then another vote for atmasphere’s (always) sage advice. Have the filter capacitors replaced and consider it preventative maintenance.
  4. Although not brought up, if you go looking for a phono preamplifier the ARC PH3 made an excellent and very synergistic combination with the LS16. The PH3 utilizes three 6922’s, same tube as your LS16.