Is an ARC LS17SE a significant upgrade over SP16L?


Greetings, Agoners,

Who out there has experience with both the SP16 and LS17SE from Audio Research? My current preamp is an  SP16L, and I have a chance to move to an LS17SE. I know that is one step higher up the food chain (plus the SE revision), but I am wondering if it would be a significant enough upgrade to warrant making the switch. I am guessing that by the time I resell my SP16L, I would be out an additional $1000 or so. The rest of my system includes Vandersteen 2ce Signature II, Bryston 3B SST, VPI Prime, Hana SH, Simaudio Moon 110LP, and Jolida JD100A.

Thanks!
Chris
eskelinfan

Showing 1 response by tom2015

I had the LS17SE for 6 months, a Primaluna Dialogue preamp bested it with more organic sound. I suspect you have to go up higher in the ARC range to get better sound.