[Danberg]

Thinking of upgrading my LS-16 MkII to a used Ref 2 MkII.  I do like the sound of my present LS-16 but have read so many raves on the Ref 2 MkII that I thought I'd like the change.  Anyone heard  both units and also describe the sonic differences.

Present Equipment:
Classe' CA-200 amp
Rotel 1072 CD unit
Clearaudio Turntable w/ Micro benz ACE, M/M cart.
Monolithic PH-1 TT pre with Nordost Quatro-fil interconnects
Nordost Valkyrja interconnects
VonSchweikert VR4 jr speakers
Nordost Blue Heaven speaker wire

[TONEPUB]

More resolution with the REF stuff.  Bigger sound in just about every way.
Similar voicing to what you have now.  Kind of like going from 400 film to
100 film....

[Imperial]

Get a 5AR4=GZ34 Mullard England "FAT BASE" 1959-1962 rectifier tube for you new pre.
The Ref 2 mk. II is slightly dry/cool with a transistor amp. The Mullard has a glorious warmth that
will cure this, more or less! 

Also I want to point out that the Ref 2 mk II may or may not have a powersupply upgrade that lowers the noisefloor by more than just a little , depending on serialnumber. Worth checking out!! (this is most notable in single ended mode, in which you will use it, it appears)
I'm sure AR can upgrade if you have an earlier serialnumber in the Ref 2 mk II production run.

Take out all your tubes and polish their pins... That will improve the sound also!
Maybe a Sovtek 6L6WXT+ in the 6L6 position?

Awesome pre! But I like the Ref 1 somewhat better. (I'm a 6922 fan really).

Imperial

[rollo]

Danberg,

     not that much difference The Re2 is better but cool sounding. Save your money unless you have upgradeitis. If so look at a new CDP. This appears to be the weak link in your fine system IMO.

   rollo

[mfsoa]

As an owner of a Rotel 1072, I agree strongly with Rollo.

I think you'd get more bang for the buck with a new digital source, if you do much digital.

Fine gear you have!

[ecramer]

This audio hobby is strange i'm looking to upgrade my Pre-amp an RC-1070 to one of these pre's used.

Audio researh sp-16
Rouge magnum 99
Bat vk-30

He's at where  i am trying to go but where  both headed up stream

system

cdp

onix cd-5
opera cd120
pre rotel rc1070
amp rotel rb991

selah tanzanites