This is the latest upgrade AR has added to their list of everchanging updates and more than likely,not too many auditions as this being their latest.Good luck....
Recently auditioned the original LS16 and found it to be noisy as hell. Tried sets of my own selected low-noise NOS Amperex, Mullard, and Siemens 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes and it was still noisy. I was running the pre under best possible circumstances. Amps are ARC also and I run a true "balanced system from source to speakers. I suspect the LS16 in single ended is worse still in this regard. The LS2B I had previously owned was much quieter, a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 was silent as a tomb and the Aesthetix Callisto I ended up purchasing smokes the LS16 in all respects. The series 2 version is going to have to be a whole bunch better to be competitive...
I own a LS16 and there is no objectionable noise. I've compared it against Classe CP-35, CP-45, CJ PV-12, CJ PV-14L, Adcom GFP-750, all of which I have owned or still own. I my LS16 single ended. That LS16 you had must be defective, doesn't mate well with your other gear, or you just like slamming AR. I'm very pleased with my LS16.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
