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ARC LS 16 MK1 vs. ARC LS25 MKll

I am considering an upgrade from my LS16 MK 1 to an LS25 MK 2. I understand the hybrid design is not as tube sounding as the 6922 design, however I am wondering if anyone else has opinions on this upgrade.

Thanks in advance.
magnepanmike
magnepanmike
reb1208
518 posts
 
Changed nothing in my system when I went from mk1 to mk2. This April marks 3 yrs since that horrible mistake. All different components now. Basically that screwed me up big time. But now I finally have recovered and have music again. I could see the 25 mk2 working well with the typical dead, flat sounding solid state ARC component. And wouldn't be surprised if they made some revisions.
magnepanmike OP
57 posts
 
I can understand that there are some individuals out there that just do not like ARC for some reason or another, and I respect their opinions, (that is why I started the post after all), however if the 6h30 tube is inadequate as I am detecting from some of the posts above, then why are some of the major hi end companies such as BAT, ARC and Conrad using them? I would think their integrity would be on the line if they all of a sudden went to a tube that was worse than the 6922.... Doesn't make sense on an "audiophile" standpoint, or a "business" standpoint either..........

I am curious if I took the "ARC" out of the equation, and just asked for a comparison between the 6922 and the 6h30 tube if I would get different opinions.
emile
27 posts
 
Hi Magnepanmike

Well, as the 6H30 needs more current than the 6922/6DJ8, a "direct" comparison in the same ARC unit is a bit difficult.
Have you try NOS tubes on your LS16 ?

Emile
magnepanmike OP
57 posts
 
No I haven't, I'm not sure where to start. I am a little intimidated because I have read that you can use a different but, but the unit needs it's bias adjusted.

Is this true?
emile
27 posts
 
The REF One does have trimmers. The LS don't need to be biased, only "balanced" tubes are required : triode1 = triode2 for each tube.
You only need to change the ones of the first and/or second stage(s) to tune the sound.

Try the Amperex 6DJ8, still cheap ;-), but sounds good. The current Ei 6DJ8 is not bad also.
ARC units are "very sensitive" to tube rolling, you'll be able to tune the sound with your MkI, KEEP it !!! don't upgrade.

Check on Tube Asylum for more feedbacks and contact ARC for more infos, their staff is very helpful.
I talked several times with Leonard, he's cool.
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