Audio Research LS16 Preamplifiers
Audio Research LS16 Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
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[Apr 03, 2000]
Gerald Greenamyer
Audiophile
Strength:
Incredible Transparency,very quiet, neutral.
Weakness:
Can't detect any, extremely hard to falt. Just an incredible pre-amp, pretty much beats anything under 5000.00. Don't believe what Stereophile says, to me the Audible Illusions Modulus 3a, is very much overated. The Adcom 750 pre-amp is a total joke. This just goes to show you how credible magazine reviews can be, Yaa Sure. Stereophile, did review the amp that I have the ARC VT100mkII Class A, with that I do agree, excellent product. ARC LS16, extremely neutral, quiet, revealing, but definetely not bright or rolled treble. Beautiful Work Audio Research. Just to let you know, I'm driving B&W Nautilus 804's, totally heavenly match. You have to hear this pre-amp before all others, for 3000.00, brand new model, it's almost a steal. Once one really gets into high-end audio, one becomes easily jaded, with such astronomical prices for gear, hence that I said almost a steal, as it 3000.00 isn't much, ya right. Similar Products Used: Audible Illusions Modulus 3a, BAT BT30, Sonic Frontiers Line 2, too many to list. |
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[May 11, 2000]
John Dooley
Audiophile
Strength:
Clearity, smoothness, & purity
Weakness:
reveals everything, mostly in poor recorded LP's Bought this Pre-Amp as an upgrade from the Audio Research LS-9 to escape the hum and warm up the sound with some tubes. This unit has a nice Audio By-Pass (RCA only) for Surround Sound Processors to cut through to the main speakers. Been listening to mostly records of all time periods and most styles. Amazing detail in such recordings for example: Corsby, Still, Nash, & Young 1970 LP "Deja Vu", but almost to a fault to reveal bad recordings such as Tommy James 1968 LP "Crimson and Cover". The highs kill my ears even at low volume. Unit could use a high end cut, or maybe its my Aragon 47 phono stage's fault? CD's sound sweet with great sound stage. Best Pre-Amp for the price and will out preform many in its class. This Pre-Amp has 2 balance inputs and 2 balance outputs for those with few balance units. To get a balance Audio By-Pass, one has to buy the LS-25 at an added $2000.00!!! OUCH. I am giving this unit an 4.5 due to higher end products out there, but a 5 for its price range. Similar Products Used: LS-9 |