2. amps-preamps
  3. 1025817013

Is It Worth Modifying an ARC LS16?

I HAVE AN AUDIO RESEARCH LS16 PREAMP. SOUNDS GOOD BUT DOESN'T HAVE GREAT DYNAMICS OR STRONG BASS.IS SPENDING $1000 TO $1,500 ON THE UPGRADE OR GREAT NORTHERN SOUND MODIFICATION WORTHWHILE OR SHOULD I JUST GO FOR BETTER PREAMP, MAYBE USED $2500 TO $3000? SYSTEM IS McCORMACK DNA1 REV A, VANDERSTEEN 3A SIGS, MICROMEGA DRIVE 1, ARC DAC2, REGA P3, KIMBER 8TC SPEAKER CABLE.
rdale4da23

Showing 2 responses by barrelchief

barrelchief
294 posts
 
I have the same pre and posted a similar question a few months ago. It does not appear that any visitors here have done the upgrade.

I do not feel that I lack bass...maybe your other components/cable are holding back the pre's performance.

I am about to start tinkering w/replacement tubes. Mine are the orig stock tubes and have somewhere in the neighborhood of 3000-5000 hours now. I have a strong suspicion that they are getting tired.

Good luck. Feel free to email to discuss further if you wish.
barrelchief
294 posts
 
If anyone contacts Great Northern regarding a modification, please post his recommendations/price. Maybe we could do better on price if we upgraded a few LS-16's as a "group purchase."

Has anyone found any earth shattering improvements w/any particular tubes when compared tot he stock tubes?
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