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Audio Research LS15 and LS16 MKI and MKII

Posted by Bambi B (A) on February 25, 2010 at 18:15:11

In Reply to: RE: ARC: LS5, LS15, LS25 posted by tfrazeur on February 25, 2010 at 11:31:38:

PHOTO: Audio Research LS15


tfrazeur,

Yes, I think the LS15 would be a very good match with the D130- exactly what I'd planned to do- change my LS3 for the LS15.

I see you're conversing with the trustworthy and knowledgeable Abe Collins about 6922 vs. 6H30 versions of the LS16. I meant to specifically mention that, for me, the models using the 6922 (LS15 or LS16/I) would be my choice with the D130 as it's so neutral- with some qualifications. For my taste the very slight liquidity of the 6922 as compared to 6H30 would provide some "personality"- even though that's perhaps retro-thinking.I always felt the D130 needed a bit of "tubosity" in front, even if strictly speaking neutrality/accuracy is a loftier and more noble audio goal!

There are some nifty upgraded components and circuitry in the LS16/I so that may be the best refinement of the LS15 design. The 6H30 LS16/MKII borrowed from the LS25 and is superb- dynamic, great imaging and quiet, but I feel it may- that is may not have qualities that would make a strong case for changing from the LS3. That's because you're using the Audio Research CD2- which is also so very capable. With my sightly dry Cambridge Audio 640C there is no contest- it needs some 6922 liquidity. With the LS3/D130 I wanted to immediately change it, but with the SP10 or SP8 and D115 it's fine- nothing that floors me, but acceptable.

In practical use, either 6922 or 6H30 version should sound great, but the 6H30 may be unforgiving of less than perfect recordings and associated gear- like tuners- in the way I find the LS3 > D130 combination. I heard this effect when listening to a Ref 3 as compared to a Ref2/I- great recordings were preferable with the REF 3, while the 75% of mediocre recordings were more pleasant on the 6922 Ref 2- I just didn't focus on them the way the hyper-revealing REF 3 had inspired. When I was trying vintage tuners, I found the McIntosh MR77 (solid state) to seem a bit cold with the LS3/D130 whereas with the SP10 > D115 it was just fantastic.

This is always a dilemma with me- as fantastic as I found the REF 3 line stage- near perfection in several ways, I still always felt better when returning to the SP10 even though today at the top end of things it is comparatively "vintage"! I must have eccentric taste to a degree as beyond that, I can still sometimes prefer the SP8 over the SP10. As recording quality and other sources declines- I listen to a lot of old budget LPs and nasty early digital LP's because I want to hear the performances- so I accordingly seem to prefer older and older preamps! I've thought a long while to have a mono, tube system for 78's centered around a Dual 1019 and 1960 EICO HF-12!

Write again and let us know what you decide.


Cheers,

Bambi B

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