These two preamps came out in the same year, with the LS-26 being the more full-featured product. However, the LS-17SE was updated five years later. Does the updated version surpass the LS-26 in general audio quality, if not in feature set?
LS-17SE vs. LS-26?
- Thread starter SoaDMTGguy
- Start date
Both are only available on the used market. So how they sound will depend on the state of the tubes, and general state of repair.
When these were current models people debated the same question. Some fell on one side, some fell on the other. Some described the differences as huge. Others described them as subtle.
You should audition your choices in your own system if you can. Your ears, your system.
FWIW, I would choose the LS26 … but if your budget would stretch a bit, I think the current LS28SE is a killer preamp for its price point. And it beats either of the ones you’re asking about to my ears.
When these were current models people debated the same question. Some fell on one side, some fell on the other. Some described the differences as huge. Others described them as subtle.
You should audition your choices in your own system if you can. Your ears, your system.
FWIW, I would choose the LS26 … but if your budget would stretch a bit, I think the current LS28SE is a killer preamp for its price point. And it beats either of the ones you’re asking about to my ears.
Can you say more about the pros and cons people debated between the two units? Is your vote for the 26 based on sound quality, or feature set, or both?
I always choose on sound quality if features meet my needs. You need to consider your needs rather than mine. Do you need something one has that the other lacks?
I am a detail freak who enjoys the clear separation of the layers of the recording. I would not consider either of these if I were buying for myself in 2023. That doesn’t mean they won’t please someone else.
FWIW you can’t listen to a preamp without the rest of the system … talking about how it sounds without context is a waste of time (though people on forums do it with unwarranted confidence all the time, just as they did when these units were new). Just choosing a different set of interconnects may tilt the field one way or the other.
You need to audition the sample you’re considering. This is especially true for used gesr that’s a few generations behind.
Nearly 10 years ago :
and even longer:
I am a detail freak who enjoys the clear separation of the layers of the recording. I would not consider either of these if I were buying for myself in 2023. That doesn’t mean they won’t please someone else.
FWIW you can’t listen to a preamp without the rest of the system … talking about how it sounds without context is a waste of time (though people on forums do it with unwarranted confidence all the time, just as they did when these units were new). Just choosing a different set of interconnects may tilt the field one way or the other.
You need to audition the sample you’re considering. This is especially true for used gesr that’s a few generations behind.
Nearly 10 years ago :
Audio Research LS17 SE Preamplifier - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com
read audio reviews, ratings, and user opinions on audio equipment before you buy an audio system
www.theaudiobeat.com
and even longer:
Last edited:
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