Premier 17 vs Premier 16
Premier 17 vs Premier 16
Have been running a Premier 17 LS2 for a few years. Never heard either Premier 16LS or Premier 16LS2 but have always wondered whether 16 or 17 was closer to the sound of the ART.
Re: Premier 17 vs Premier 16
I think these units are very similar. Both from roughly the same time period (circa 2000). You would imagine that the 17 would be an improvement on the 16, but again, I think more similar than different. If choosing between these I would probably default to which ever I could find for a competitive price and also heavily base the purchase on what condition they are in and whether they have been serviced since their release 25 years ago.
But I'm speaking from generalities as I have not auditioned the two units.
But I'm speaking from generalities as I have not auditioned the two units.
-admin
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Joe Appierto
- Pro Master
- Posts: 677
- Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:04 pm
- Location: NJ
Re: Premier 17 vs Premier 16
I went from the 17LS to a 16LS2 so not exactly what you're inquiring about. My preference was for the 16LS2 which I thought projected a more dimensional and convincing sound stage.
Admin is right in that they were more alike than dissimilar but an important factor to keep in mind is that the 17LS2 was outfitted with the CJD Teflon capacitors and unless the 16LS2 has had the C1 upgrade it will not have these.
Admin is right in that they were more alike than dissimilar but an important factor to keep in mind is that the 17LS2 was outfitted with the CJD Teflon capacitors and unless the 16LS2 has had the C1 upgrade it will not have these.
Oppo BDP-105D and PSA DS DAC
Conrad Johnson CA200
MartinLogan EML
In-Akustik Exzellenz Cat 6 Ethernet and HDMI, Q-Audio IC and speaker cables, and Acrolink 6N P4030 power cords; PSA Duet PLC and Juice Bar, Oyaide R1 wall outlets
Conrad Johnson CA200
MartinLogan EML
In-Akustik Exzellenz Cat 6 Ethernet and HDMI, Q-Audio IC and speaker cables, and Acrolink 6N P4030 power cords; PSA Duet PLC and Juice Bar, Oyaide R1 wall outlets
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Big Dog RJ
- Ultimate
- Posts: 2482
- Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:30 am
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: Premier 17 vs Premier 16
G'day mate, nice to learn about another 17LS being used. It's a fine preamp indeed.
Have had both the 17LS and 16LS, as well as the original ART (two chassis preamp). All three were quite similar, the 16LS being a scaled down version of the two chassis ART, and the 17LS being a further simpler version of the two. Sonic performance were nearly similar, the only major factor being with the ART, it could handle very high levels, especially in the LF area, heft and weight were more profound, it had a sense of greater power and control over high powered tube amps. The last config I had of the ART preamp was matched with the Premier 8A monoblocks, driving the mighty APogee Diva's, it was a legendary sound! One that I still sort of miss to this day, that combination really brought out the best in Apogee ribbon bass. It was awesome!
Fast fwd that to 20yrs on... and I also had the ACT2/S2, matched with several stereo power amps (MV60SE, Classic 60se, Classic 120se, Classic 62se) driving Quad ESL's (ESL2905 & ESL2912) before ending up with CLX's. The ACT2 was a further refined version of the original ART and replaced the ART preamp, then came out the CT5, which was a scaled down version of the ACT2 and replaced it in all areas, including sonic performance and control. The CT5 is what I have now, and I'm extremely happy with it, hence I have no intention of any foreseeable upgrades towards the GATS1/S2, although the ART88 would be a final component to have, since it's an all tube design (no SS buffered output stage).
One of the main reasons to settle for the CT5 is that out of all those mentioned that I previously owned, they all contributed to a certain low level hiss. Since most of the types of speakers I used at the time, were relatively difficult loads with low Impedence and low efficiency, the hiss wasn't too bad but still quite noticeable. Whereas, the CT5 was the quietest of the lot! Even now, after comparing with the GATS2, it has a remarkably low noise floor. So, if your 17LS is quiet and is reproducing fine tunes, just sit back and enjoy it! The moment you change preamps, thinking that upgrades are better... they may not yield an overall better performance in your particular system, unless you were to change over everything. I guess this is why I never sort of gravitated to either of the GAT series because perhaps my current power amps (LP125Mse modded to Class A) have reached its full potential. Therefore, adding a "better" so called preamp may not show any significant results. If I were to change the power amps then perhaps yes.
Between the 17LS and 16LS, and ART, very marginal differences, the ART having greater control and authority as I mentioned. If you were to take those preamps and look at the current line of production, ET7S2 and ART88, these will sound significantly different. These newer top-line preamps have a far more neutral sound to them, hence some like this and some prefer CJ's old classic tube sound. I certainly do!
Hope that helps, just my 50cts worth.
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ
Have had both the 17LS and 16LS, as well as the original ART (two chassis preamp). All three were quite similar, the 16LS being a scaled down version of the two chassis ART, and the 17LS being a further simpler version of the two. Sonic performance were nearly similar, the only major factor being with the ART, it could handle very high levels, especially in the LF area, heft and weight were more profound, it had a sense of greater power and control over high powered tube amps. The last config I had of the ART preamp was matched with the Premier 8A monoblocks, driving the mighty APogee Diva's, it was a legendary sound! One that I still sort of miss to this day, that combination really brought out the best in Apogee ribbon bass. It was awesome!
Fast fwd that to 20yrs on... and I also had the ACT2/S2, matched with several stereo power amps (MV60SE, Classic 60se, Classic 120se, Classic 62se) driving Quad ESL's (ESL2905 & ESL2912) before ending up with CLX's. The ACT2 was a further refined version of the original ART and replaced the ART preamp, then came out the CT5, which was a scaled down version of the ACT2 and replaced it in all areas, including sonic performance and control. The CT5 is what I have now, and I'm extremely happy with it, hence I have no intention of any foreseeable upgrades towards the GATS1/S2, although the ART88 would be a final component to have, since it's an all tube design (no SS buffered output stage).
One of the main reasons to settle for the CT5 is that out of all those mentioned that I previously owned, they all contributed to a certain low level hiss. Since most of the types of speakers I used at the time, were relatively difficult loads with low Impedence and low efficiency, the hiss wasn't too bad but still quite noticeable. Whereas, the CT5 was the quietest of the lot! Even now, after comparing with the GATS2, it has a remarkably low noise floor. So, if your 17LS is quiet and is reproducing fine tunes, just sit back and enjoy it! The moment you change preamps, thinking that upgrades are better... they may not yield an overall better performance in your particular system, unless you were to change over everything. I guess this is why I never sort of gravitated to either of the GAT series because perhaps my current power amps (LP125Mse modded to Class A) have reached its full potential. Therefore, adding a "better" so called preamp may not show any significant results. If I were to change the power amps then perhaps yes.
Between the 17LS and 16LS, and ART, very marginal differences, the ART having greater control and authority as I mentioned. If you were to take those preamps and look at the current line of production, ET7S2 and ART88, these will sound significantly different. These newer top-line preamps have a far more neutral sound to them, hence some like this and some prefer CJ's old classic tube sound. I certainly do!
Hope that helps, just my 50cts worth.
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ