Have ARC LS-16 Pre- what to upgrade to??

No_Money- It does- just considering a higher quality preamp. Rosstaman- thanks- good idea, in fact one of my good friends has the Ref 1 and loves it, but I like the even bigger soundstage/warmth of Ref 2 (since uses tube power supply as opposed to Ref 1 which does not). Only prob is that Ref 2 may sometimes be accused of having bass that isn't quite as tight as Ref 1. Maybe new Ref 2 MKII is answer, but too $$!!

Hi Sutts My Anthem pre2L has what your looking for, but alas I don't think it will be in your league sonically. Best of luck!

The Ref II is awesome. I just upgraded from a LS15 to the Ref II and the difference in detail, soundstaging, and just plain air is amazing. Keep looking for a used one, many Ref II owners are selling and moving up to the mkII version. It is a 3k upgrade. I am using mine with a VT100 mkII, Dunlavy ScIIIs, and Synergistic Designer Ref cabling.

No_Money- It does- just considering a higher quality preamp. Rosstaman- thanks- good idea, in fact one of my good friends has the Ref 1 and loves it, but I like the even bigger soundstage/warmth of Ref 2 (since uses tube power supply as opposed to Ref 1 which does not). Only prob is that Ref 2 may sometimes be accused of having bass that isn't quite as tight as Ref 1. Maybe new Ref 2 MKII is answer, but too $$!!

Any recomendations on tubes for LS-15 guys? Just got one used.