ARC LS16MkII upgrade to LS17SE?
 

I have been very happy with my LS16MKII (6H30 tubes), and am contemplating moving to a LS17SE. Your thoughts Folks? (semi retirement is a bitch)
Thanks,
Jim

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Ignorance (of any improvements the LS17SE might bring) is bliss. i.e. don't demo one.

That said, I think it will be a sideways move unless you go for a Ref series component.

ARC LS16MkII upgrade to LS17SE
 

ehoove, I agree with triode12 100%. From experience always listen to, and compare all amps to what you own before andy changes or purchases are made !!! Jeff

Jim, I cannot compare the LS16MKII with the LS17SE, but I can explain my way from the SP16 to the LS17 and then to the LS17SE. As for the amplifier, I am using a D70MKII.

I made a direct comparison at the audio shop between my SP16 that I brought for the audition and the LS17. We used the RCA connections between the CD source and the SP16 and the XLR connections between the same CD source and the LS17. Honestly, there was not a night and day difference between the two, but with the LS17 music was more tightened, which brought slightly more authority to the music.

Then, I had an opportunity to replace the LS17 with the LS17SE, which I caught without any preliminary listening session. On the long term, all I can say is that the LS17SE brought to my ears an added sense of delicacy to the musical restitution with seemingly more inner details and an overall better sound stage.

Bertrand

I have heard good things, and am struggling to justify financially jumping to a Reference grade preamp with good conscience when what I have is very satisfying, and musical. My current Rabbit Hole is R2R. :^(
Regards,
Jim

Jim,

The Ref 5se would be a huge upgrade. And at around half the retail price used a real bargain. I moved from an LS25 mk2 to a Ref 5se and the difference was amazing. I was so impressed that I also upgrade my phono preamp to the matching Ref Phono 2se. Of all the electronic components, the preamp has the biggest impact on the sound of your system.

What is R2R?

+ 1 to the REF 5SE and REF Phono 2 SE .
I think R2R is short for Reel to Reel ?

R2R = Reel to Reel Tape Deck

Thanks for the recommendations, I may have to climb a few more rungs up the ladder to maximize the upgrade. $$$$
Regards,
Jim

Had never been a fan of the 6H30 compared to the 6922. However, what I learned from Victor at BAT is that one needs to use Soviet era 6H30 tubes and not newer production. They can be difficult to find, but worth the effort to my ears. You might try rolling in a good set of Soviet tubes (talk to BAT if you have to) and see if that satisfies your upgraditous (for the moment ;)).

That is interesting, in that I moved to the LS16MkII from a LS15 which used the 6922 tubes and felt there was a noticeable positive difference. :scratch2:
Regards,
Jim