Audio Research Like New LS17 SE Tube Pre-amp

Audio Research “Like New” LS17 SE Tube Pre-amp, with Factory Tubes (less than 800 Hrs)

This from Seller:

I am offering this “Like-New” mint condition, Audio Research Silver Front LS17 SE (Current Model) tube preamp.

Read the On-line Reviews – they say it all. “The LS17 SE is a First-Class Pre-amp!”

This like-new preamp functions perfectly, and sounds absolutely magical (better than an LS26, or any of ARC's older models), and is a real steal at Retail, and a great value at my asking price - which includes Free shipping & PayPal fees. A Black Face LS17 SE recently sold on Audiogon for $2,995.00, plus S&H & PP Fees (over $100). Recent pricing history for Audio Research preamps on AGon (regardless of condition, or whether it's a current Model) shows discounts of ~45% at $6,000 range, with sightly higher discounts as Retail Price climbs. My price amounts to 50% off - very Fair, given that it's a current Model in absolute Mint condition. So, please, no Low-ball Offers.

This incredible pre-amp is in Immaculate Condition (inside & out) - Rated 9/10 because it is “Previously Owned”. However, there are NO signs that its “used” - when you unpack the Factory Box, the only inkling you'll have that it is not brand new from the factory, is that the Box has been resealed. It has been in a clean, smoke & pet free environment since purchase.

Speaking of Tubes - it comes with a set of 2 very lightly used (~800 Hrs.) factory matched tubes. Rated Tube Life is ~10,000 Hrs, but ARC Recommends replacement at 6,000 Hrs. (~$75.00 for a matched set).

These Factory Sovtek 6H30Pi tubes sound wonderful – remember, they are the same tubes installed for all the many glowing reviews found on-line. This Sovtek 6H30Pi is the super linear-military, mid mu dual triode version, used by BAT and Audio Research, and is used throughout the current ARC Line.

The LS17 SE’s sound is spacious, accurate, detailed, dynamic – and amazingly quiet. There is absolutely no noise penalty compared to a solid-state preamp. Read the Glowing Reviews on-line (make sure they are of the Latest SE Version, not the plain LS17).

In Summary, if you crave beautifully balanced, clear & dynamic musical sounds, with a deep & wide soundstage that leaps out from a noise-free black background, then this ARC LS17 SE preamp is for you.

Includes Remote Control, ARC's original power cord, and User Manual. It will be shipped in the original ARC double-boxes, with all the original packing.

See below from ARC about the great array of IN/OUTPUTS, which, when coupled with the Processor Pass-thru Loop, enable the LS17 SE to be the control Hub, of a complete High-end Analog/Digital Audio/Video System!

-Up-to-date design that will not require updating, like most vintage ARC units.

-A very nice, small in the hand, full-function remote control.

-Unlike overly warm tube units, the LS17 SE has ARC’s modern, clean & quiet sound.

-The overall sound is well balanced from top to bottom - the Soundstage is immense!

-It will “tame” any Solid-State Power Amp, and mates well with any tube amp.

-It has amazing build quality, without any concessions to price (An ARC Hallmark).

-It holds its value extremely well - because it’s ARC!

The Pre-amp is shipped without the Tubes Installed, to avoid damage in shipment!

The Factory Sovtek 6H30 Pi tubes are included in their Factory Boxes.

These Details from ARC:

The LS17 SE preamplifier benefits from a long tradition of exceptional preamplifier technology from Audio Research and shares many common traits with its larger peers. The Reference Anniversary has been hailed by many as the greatest preamplifier yet; it also yielded technological developments to be shared across the entire Audio Research product range. The SE treatment of the Reference 5 SE preamplifier and Reference Phono 2 SE phono preamplifier have been applied to the LS17 SE to great success, providing the listener with the ability to hear deeper into the performance and overall better musicality in a more affordable package.

The LS17 SE maintains the same physical size as its predecessor, offering two balanced and five single-ended inputs, and two balanced and one single-ended output. A monitor input and record output are also provided. The only cosmetic difference is the updated front panel, which replaces the black plastic buttons with round metal buttons, complementing the symmetry of the two control knobs flanking the LED display. The display shows volume as well as which input is selected. Front panel controls include power, monitor, mute and processor (pass through). All functions are also accessible via the included handheld remote, and discrete remote codes are available for programming universal-style controllers. Handles finish the understated elegance of the overall appearance.

Internally the LS17 SE builds on the architecture of the LS17 and adds SE upgrades to provide exceptional performance. New Teflon coupling capacitors as well as other internal performance enhancements combine to create a preamplifier offering greater detail, spatial cues and dynamic breadth. Two 6H30 twin triodes are at the heart of the Class A audio circuit. A custom designed power transformer provides serious current.