BEST TUBES FOR AUDIO RESEARCH PRE-AMP (LS-16)

I think the Gold Lions are smoother (less bright)....which is to my liking...and still detailed...nice midrange...

how much of an upgrade an LS-26 or LS-27 would be.

If its not broke, why fix it?

If you like the Gold Lions, just use them. Not a bad tube at all.
For new old stock, hit up Brent Jesse. NOS can get expensive.

As to the upgrade…the newer ARC stuff is good. It will be quieter than the LS16. It is a cleaner, less tubey sound than the LS16 though, but still retains the ARC musicality and dynamics.

I once had an LS15 that I started with some EH tubes.  I switched to Gold Lion and in my system they made the music less involving.  I switched back the EH and was happy with them as long as I owned that LS15.  I upgraded to an LS27 and never looked back.  I am now on a quest to find a Ref 6 pre. Enjoy your tube swapping. It really is system dependent. 

I appreciate all the responses.  The big take away is all systems are different...I agree.  Guess I'll stick with the gold lions for now.

Like the comment from rsmith.. I upgraded to an LS27 and never looked back.  I am now on a quest to find a Ref 6 pre. Enjoy your tube swapping. 

Thanks to all.

Greg

# 1  New Telfunken ECC88 6922  $80 usd ea  (allow 50 hrs breakin for these cryo tube