Audio Research LS-16 Mk2 vs LS-17 preamp

One man's meat is another man's poison. I have owned the LS16Mk1 and find it to be a decent piece, not spectacular. It does sound superior to four other line stages that I have owned, but then these line stages are just crap in comparison.

Seems like I'm the one that can hear Mofi. I just don't let perception cloud my conclusions. Just because ARC makes quality components does not mean everything they make sounds good.

Rwwear, just because a LS-16mkII sounds bad in one system doesn't mean it will sound bad in any other systems!
You take one experience and base your opinion on that and call it unbiased? Are you kidding me?
As mofimadness indicated, you would do well to read all of the good and positive reviews that have been written about the LS-16(audioreview.com,10audio.com,ciao.co.uk,youngblood systems.com to name a few)then you might figure out who can hear and who can't.

I have an LS16 MKI modded by GNSC with Amperex 7308 tubes and it's a killer line stage in my system. It was a good piece of gear in stock from but with the GNSC mods it's in another playing field.
I am now using a REF2 MKI modded by GNSC. The LS16 has been boxed in the closet for a few years now.

IMHO the LS-16 is a very good (but not great) preamp. If you want great you might look at the LS-26 - it's a giant killer.