Audio Research LS16 Tube Preamplifier - Rare 220v Version

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

This is a rare version configured for the overseas market running at 220V.

Glorious tube warmth and accuracy in a reliable package.

Please contact us for international shipping rates by supplying your mailing address here.

More from Audio Research:
"After a successful run of more than three years, and with the introduction of more advanced preamps like the LS25 and REF2, it was time for a successor to the LS15. This new model -- the LS16 Stereo Vacuum-Tube Preamplifier -- offers superior performance, greater flexibility and more intuitive controls.

Chassis size and appearance are almost identical to the previous LS15, with the same complement of balanced / single ended inputs and outputs. The only major operational change is that the "Direct" input path of the LS15 is now a single-ended, unity-gain processor pass-through, a feature also included on the LS25 and RE F2. Incorporation in a home theater while preserving great two-channel sound is easier than ever. Input selections have been relabelled to include CD BAL, Phono, Tuner, Aux SE and Aux BAL.

Two additional mechanical changes deserve mention. Toggle switches are now the bidirectional spring-loaded type used on the more costly LS25. And the microprocessor-controlled volume control is also the same as used on the LS25, with a total of 104 individual steps. Both of these changes add greater control flexibility and a higher-quality operational feel.

Inside the LS16, you will find a new Class A gain circuit using four 6922 twin triodes with our proprietary clear damping rings, plus greater energy storage, the latest Infinicaps and improved power-supply regulation. The result is a sonic presentation that goes way, way beyond the LS15! Highs are better defined with a finer grain structure and less electronic hash, the midrange is more pure and open, while bass control, extension and dynamics are vastly improved from the LS15. Overall, there is much greater musical and tonal coherence from top to bottom, while definition of musical structure is more vivid and natural. This wonderfully balanced preamplifier mates extremely well with every vacuum-tube and solid-state amplifier we've tried.

Once you hear it, you will agree that the LS16 represents a new threshold of value for high-end audio preamplifiers, combining versatile features and improved sonic performance. Because of the many improvements and changes, it is not possible to update an LS15 to the LS16 configuration."

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

Technical Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
±.1dB, 1Hz to 60kHz at rated output. -3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 100kHz

DISTORTION (THD)
.01% at 1V RMS Balanced output

NOISE & HUM
25µV RMS residual IHF weighted Balanced noise output with gain control with gain control at minimum (98dB below 2V RMS
output).

GAIN
Main output: 18dB Balanced, 12dB SE. Tape output: 0dB.

INPUT IMPEDANCE
150K ohms Balanced. 75K ohms SE.

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms SE Main (2), 40K ohms minimum load and 1000pF maximum capacitance.

MAXIMUM INPUTS
14V RMS maximum Balanced, 7V RMS SE.

RATED OUTPUTS
2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm Balanced load (maximum Balanced output capability is 30V RMS at 1% THD at 1kHz).

POWER SUPPLIES
Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 45-sec. warmup mute. Automatic brown-out mute.

TUBE COMPLEMENT
LS16: (4) 6922/E88CC. LS16 MKII: (2) 6H30

OTHER
Vacuum tube audio circuit, solid-state power supply. Inputs (7): AUX SE, PHONO, TUNER, CD BAL, AUX BAL, MONITOR (SE), and PROCESSOR (SE). Outputs (4): 2 Main Bal, 1 Main SE, 1 Record SE. Controls: Volume, Input Select. Toggle switches: Power On/Off, Operate/Mute, Monitor/Input, Processor/Input.

DIMENSIONS
19" (48 cm) W x 5 ¼" (13.3 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10½" (26.7 cm) D. Handles extend 1½" (3.8 cm) forward of front panel.

WEIGHT
11.9 lbs. (5.4 kg) Net; 21 lbs. (9.5 kg) Shipping.

Audio Research LS16 Tube Preamplifier - Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage Kef speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.