FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +0-3dB, 0.5Hz to 200kHz at rated output (Balanced, 200k ohms load).
DISTORTION: Less than .01% at 2V RMS BAL output.
GAIN: Main output: 12dB Balanced output, 6dB SE output. Tape output: 0dB (Processor input: 0dB SE output).
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 120K ohms Balanced, 60K ohms SE. Inputs (7): CD, TUNER, VIDEO, PHONO, AUX 1, AUX 2, PROCESSOR. (XLR and RCA connectors)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms SE Main (2). 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance. Outputs (3): 2 main, 1 tape (XLR and RCA connectors).
OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting.
MAXIMUM INPUT: 20V RMS BAL, 10V RMS SE.
RATED OUTPUTS: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS at 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 .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) Net; 41.6 lbs. (19 kg) Shipping.
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 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. 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 delivery. In concert, the components of the LS17 SE create a sound that will truly delight the listener – this is a preamplifier dedicated to delivering a great musical experience. The LS17 SE has seven inputs (including the processor input), two of which are balanced. There are four outputs, record and main output 1 (both single-ended) and two balanced outputs. There is also a 12 volt trigger for controlling the power of other system components. The A.C. power input is a 15A connection.
