Audio Research LS-17

Up for sale is an Audio Research LS17 preamplifier. Comes with factory remote control.

It is a hybrid tube/transistor design that gives the best of both analog tubes and high quality/low noise transistors. All analog pure design, no digital no DACs. Looking at the circuit boards inside, you can tell this is a marvel of engineering. If you're looking to get into tubes, this an excellent way to get the best of both worlds: tube warmth, with low-noise/high-quality JFETS.

This particular unit is in amazingly clean condition. I went over the whole exterior and couldn't find any real damage, scratches, etc. For the front panel I wiped it down with a lightly damp, lint-free cloth. Anything that I thought was a nick or scratch ended up being dust.

I have all the original items that the unit came with
➠ Factory-supplied Audio Research 6H30 tubes, screwdriver, and power cord.
➠ Factory supplied remote control.
➠ Manual, warranty card, QA card, etc.
➠ Carboard box and packing material (Note this box was damaged when my storage unit was flooded. Only the box has water damage, all other items were stored in the house.)

Originally $4,000. From what I can tell, this unit was made in 2009.

This really is near the top of the best preamps you can buy. You would need to spend $-thousands more to get anything even close to this quality and performance.

Main Features
➠ Two balanced and five single-ended inputs
➠ Two balanced and one single-ended output
➠ Monitor input and Record output
➠ 104-step volume control
➠ Remote control

Analog Circuit Features
➠ Two 6H30 twin triode tubes in the audio stage
➠ Huge power transformer
➠ Proprietary output coupling caps.
➠ High quality JFET output transistors

Terms/Policies

• Please Ask All Questions Before You Buy.
• All Sales Are Final.
• All shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Reviews http://www.arcdb.ws/LS17/LS17.html
"The LS17 has an easy flow to its presentation, but it resolves musical and spatial information at a much higher level than the LS16 series was ever capable of. Instrument focus, sound-stage clarity and bass definition are all vividly enhanced. Members of our listening panel agree that if the LS26 is the REF3 Jr., then the LS17 is surely the Baby REF3. The pedigree is only too clear, and you will hear it immediately and without effort.
With the introduction of the LS17, Audio Research now offers benchmarks in preamplifier quality, performance and value."
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https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/audioresearch_ls17.htm
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.
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.