AUDIO RESEARCH LS17SE

Second-hand, in mint condition, without scratches.  Supplied with remote control and its original package.

Preamplifier

The LS17 SE is described as a "hybrid JFET/tube Stereo Line Stage preamplifier" and is equipped with two 6H30 dual triodes in Class A audio circuits. It has 7 inputs, including 2 balanced inputs, and 4 outputs, including one tape output, one unbalanced RCA output, and 2 balanced XLR outputs. A useful feature of this model is the presence of a remote trigger, allowing you to turn on and off other system components when the preamplifier is activated.

The "house sound" of Audio Research is characterized by a certain emphasis on mid-high frequencies, giving the music a sense of increased liveliness and excitement. The quality of the bass is excellent, with a resolution that blends seamlessly with the mid-bass. The bass is richly saturated and accurately reproduces the vibration of strings and the power of drums. The performance never disappoints.

The high-frequency extension is very good, with no risk of shrillness or harshness, unless the recording contains a rough cut.

The preamplifier offers extraordinary clarity with complex music, perfectly separating all the details of an orchestra. Musical crescendos are intense, and percussion is quick and detailed. Micro-dynamics are also excellent. The distortion level is very low, with background noise barely perceptible when close to the speaker, but inaudible from the listening position.

In conclusion, the LS17 SE is a highly capable preamplifier that offers a dynamic and low-distortion presentation, with sound quality appreciated by many.

Technical Specifications:

• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +0-3dB, from 0.5Hz to 200kHz at rated output (balanced, 200k ohm load).
• DISTORTION: Less than 0.01% at 2V RMS BAL output.
• GAIN: Main output: 12dB balanced, 6dB SE output. Tape output: 0dB (Processor input: 0dB SE output).
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 120K ohm balanced, 60K ohm SE. Inputs (7): CD, TUNER, VIDEO, PHONO, AUX 1, AUX 2, PROCESSOR. (XLR and RCA connectors)
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 600 ohm balanced, 300 ohm SE main (2). Minimum load 20K ohm and maximum capacitance 2000pF. Outputs (3): 2 main, 1 tape (XLR and RCA connectors).
• OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting.
• MAXIMUM INPUT: 20V RMS balanced, 10V RMS SE.
• RATED OUTPUTS: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS with less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
• CROSSTALK: -80dB or better at 1kHz and 10 kHz.
• CONTROLS: Volume (104 steps), Select Input. Push Buttons: Power, Proc, BAL/SE, Mono, Invert, Mute.
• POWER SUPPLIES: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 40 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than 0.01%.
• NOISE: 1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (109dB below 2V RMS output).
• TUBE COMPLEMENT: 2-6H30P dual triode, (Hybrid JFET/tube audio circuit, solid-state power supply).
• POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts.
• DIMENSIONS: 19" (48 cm) W x 7" (17.8 cm) H (standard panel) x 15.5" (39.4 cm) D. Handles extend 1.5" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
• WEIGHT: 30.4 lbs. (13.9 kg).