Audio Research SP16L vs. SP17L

[kitjv]

Do I understand correctly that the SP17L replaces the SP16L? Can someone familiar with both highlight the differences for me? I have read the specs on both, but I am more interested in actual audible differences. Thank you kindly.

 

[chadnliz]

One thing for sure is the volume issue would appear to be resolved, my father owned the SP16L and just upgraded to the ARC Ref3, the new tubes should be a gain in performance aswell. I will talk to an owner who has had the 16 and now the 17 for you as soon as I can. My dad was pretty happy with the SP16, it is a great unit for the money, the only issue was again the volume steps, in low level steps it jumped really quick and if you have a sensitive speaker the jumps can be hard to get a volume just right, its either too soft or too loud. Again the SP16 is/was a great unit for the cash.

 

[dorokusai]

One thing for sure is the volume issue would appear to be resolved, my father owned the SP16L and just upgraded to the ARC Ref3, the new tubes should be a gain in performance aswell. I will talk to an owner who has had the 16 and now the 17 for you as soon as I can. My dad was pretty happy with the SP16, it is a great unit for the money, the only issue was again the volume steps, in low level steps it jumped really quick and if you have a sensitive speaker the jumps can be hard to get a volume just right, its either too soft or too loud. Again the SP16 is/was a great unit for the cash.

I've never experienced that problem. It's just a renewal of the lineup, since it's been over 5 years and I don't think it's worth the price increase.

Mark

 

[chadnliz]

If you never have had that problem I would guess your speakers are not ultra efficient, most likely less then 92db, I didnt mention that when my dad went from his Legacy Focus 20/20 to his Vandersteen Wood Quatro the problem went away........the Vandy is 87db vs Legacy at 95db.
My friend said there is much more dynamics, slightly lower noise floor and a larger sense of space, I beleieve the line level version is $500 more at $2995 MSRP. My father was pretty happy, but likes his new Ref 3 much more, he better it costs $10,000

 

[dorokusai]

If you never have had that problem I would guess your speakers are not ultra efficient, most likely less then 92db.......

LOL, sure, that's what it is. Happy listening!

Mark

 

[chadnliz]

Not sure what you mean, why laughing?