Audio Research LS17 pre-amplifier (Used) SOLD

by syam09 Sat Dec 07, 2013 2:33 pm

PREAMPLIFIER

For sale is one unit of used tubed Audio Research LS17 preamplifier in mint condition 8.5/10. Need no introduction. Manufactured in the USA. The set comes with original remote control, box and manual. Full balanced circuit. Good reviews. 4 years plus of careful use. New was approximately RM14,500. Selling due to upgrading.

Price: RMSOLD (neg)

Location: KL

Contact : 019-9578118 Syam. Call or sms only.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +0-3dB, 0.5Hz to 160kHz at rated output (Balanced, 200k ohms load)
DISTORTION: Less than .01% at 2V RMS BAL output.
GAIN: Main Output : 18dB Balanced output (12dB SE output). Record output: 0dB (Processor input: 0dB SE (output).
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 120K ohms Balanced, 60K ohms SE . Inputs (7): Balanced: BAL2. BAL1. SE: Aux, Tuner, CD, Proc, Monitor.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 700 ohms Balanced, 350 ohms SE Main (2). 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance. Outputs (4): 2 Main Bal, 1 Main SE, 1 Record SE.
OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting.
MAXIMUM INPUT: 24V RMS BAL. 12V RMS SE.
RATED OUTPUTS: 2V RMS 1Hz to 100kHz into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 15V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz)
CONTROLS: Rotary volume selector (104 steps, 20 LED indicators) and rotary input selector.
Push buttons: Power, Monitor, Proc, Mute. Also remote buttons: Bal 1, Bal 2, Aux, Tuner, CD.
POWER SUPPLIES: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 50 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
NOISE: 2.2uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (101 dB below 2V RMS output).
TUBE COMPLEMENT:2-6H30 dual triode. (Hybrid JFET/tube audio circuit, solid-state power supply).
POWER REQUIREMENTS:105-130VAC 60Hz (210-260VAC 50/60Hz) 50 watts maximum.
DIMENSIONS: 19" (48 cm) W x 5.25"(13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 12"(30.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1.50" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
WEIGHT: 13 lbs. (5.9 kg) Net; 23 lbs. (11.5 kg) Shipping.

REVIEWS:-

Soundstage!

Audio Research calls the LS17 its "Baby Ref" line-stage preamp, and I believe there's some truth here. While I’ve not heard the Reference 3 in my system, with the LS17 ARC has packaged quite a bit of sonic punch into what is a mid-priced preamp. Plus, just try to find another tube line stage that offers truly balanced inputs and outputs along with the LS17’s sonic strengths for the same price. That’s not going to be an easy task. While using the word "bargain" to describe a $4000 preamp may be a tad presumptuous, within its price range, the LS17 is exactly that. You’ll find yourself having to pay more money for less than what the LS17 offers.

So while the LS17 is inherently better than its less costly stable-mate and more than likely not its big brother's sonic equal, it is still a benchmark in its price class. Its attributes are addictive and its limitations pass almost unnoticed. Once you’ve heard its siren's song, you’ll find yourself drawn unerringly to its beguiling presentation. And best of all, "You never know what you’ve got till it’s gone" won't apply to the LS17 -- it's certainly not leaving my equipment rack.

...John Crossett

Whathifi

What makes the LS17 such a great buy? Well, you get a very large slice of the magic produced by the company's flagship preamp, the Reference 3, for a third of the price.

For those who don't know, the senior model has a strong claim to ‘The Best Preamp in the World' title, so by offering a similar sonic experience the LS17 makes a strong case for itself.

Sure, transparency levels and detail resolution are reduced with the LS17, but the essential sonic character is unmistakably the same.

Full marks for usability

This preamp is a simple device to use. The two front panel control knobs govern volume and input selection and there's a quartet of small, cheap-feeling plastic buttons that control functions.

There are also balanced and single-ended options for both inputs and outputs.

A brilliant sonic balancing act

The LS17's sound is a brilliant sonic balancing act. By class standards it's exquisitely detailed, revealing low-level information such as nuances of Alicia Keys' voice on Lesson Learned.

Equally, this AR has no trouble resolving a sound of massive scale and authority with the likes of Holst's Mars. Yet, at no point is detail thrown at the listener in an attempt to impress.

It's presented in a wholly natural and unforced manner whereby the listener's attention is concentrated on the music's message rather than the hi-fi's skill.

This is a product that puts the music foremost – and that's just the way it should be.

Hifinews Editors Choice

The euphony of valves married to the convenience of remotely controlled input selection and volume control – Audio Research scores again.

“a midband so lifelike as to beg a diet of unplugged material, are rapid transients, and deep, rich bass able to flatter both the hard, tight lower octaves of modern funk as well as acoustic bass and percussion”.

Hifi News Verdict

When Audio Research brings out new models, they always demonstrate the best of ‘trickle down‘ theory. Thus a salesperson could say with a straight face that ls17 offers for circa £3000 what would have cost £6000 five years ago. So, yes, it flaunts an indecent amount of the £9000 REF 3’s prowess. Yes, it sounds simply delicious. And, yes, I’m buying one – Ken Kessler.

Photos:

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by syam09 Tue Dec 24, 2013 4:16 pm

BUMP!

Audio Research LS17 pre-amplifier (Used) SOLD

Audio Research LS17 pre-amplifier (Used) SOLD

Re: Audio Research LS17 pre-amplifier (Used) SOLD