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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The Audio Research LS17SE is a high-end hybrid JFET/tube stereo line stage preamplifier that uses two 6H30 twin triode tubes in Class A audio circuits. It features 7 inputs, including 2 balanced inputs, and 4 outputs, including one tape output, one unbalanced RCA output, and two balanced XLR outputs. The preamplifier includes a remote trigger to power on/off other system components. It has a rotary volume selector with 104 steps and 20 LED indicators, rotary input selector, and push buttons for power, monitor, processor, and mute. The LS17SE offers a frequency response of +0-3dB from 0.5Hz to 160kHz at rated output, distortion less than 0.01% at 2V RMS balanced output, and noise of 1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise. It has a gain of 18dB balanced and 12dB single-ended, input impedance of 120K ohms balanced and 60K ohms single-ended, and output impedance of 700 ohms balanced and 350 ohms single-ended. The power supply is electronically regulated with low and high voltage supplies, automatic warm-up and brown-out mute, and line regulation better than 0.01%. Power requirements are 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) consuming 130 watts with 2 watts standby. Dimensions are 19" W x 7" H x 15.5" D with a weight of 30.4 lbs (13.9 kg). The LS17SE is praised for its excellent tonal quality, rich and accurate bass, believable midrange, and extended high-frequency response without harshness, making it a refined and lively-sounding preamplifier suitable for high-end audio systems.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the LS17SE in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The REF 110's power @ 8ω is 110W against the LS17SE's 130W, its signal-to-noise 106 dB against 109 dB, its thd 0.300% against 0.010%, and its weight 30.7 kg (68 lbs) against 13.9 kg (31 lbs).
The Reference 1's power @ 8ω is 90W against the LS17SE's 130W, its signal-to-noise 100 dB against 109 dB, its thd 0.015% against 0.010%, and its output impedance 400Ω against 350Ω.
The Polaris III's power @ 8ω is 40W against the LS17SE's 130W, its signal-to-noise 96 dB against 109 dB, and its output impedance 30Ω against 350Ω. Both share thd (0.010%).
The ATC-2's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the LS17SE's 109 dB and its output impedance 200Ω against 350Ω. Both share thd (0.010%) and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
REF 5
McIntosh MA9000
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