The gain on the LS17/SE rises very fast. There is a modification that ARC can do to smooth out the gain control to make it a smoother rising rate. Not too expensive. If I remember correctly less than $500.00. It’s a known “issue” with that pre. Just the way it is designed. If your amp has input sensitivity control you can mitigate it that way as well.
AR LS17SE Volume Control
I picked up a used AR LS17SE preamp last fall. In general I’m quite pleased with it. It is my first exposure to the AR sound.
What stands out to me is the limited volume control range. When I was researching a preamp for my needs this seemed to be the exact fit I was looking for. It is specified as having 102 detents on the volume control which seemed like a good range of sensitivity to me.
What I find is it is only 6-8 clicks on the volume control from lowest/no volume to maximum tolerable volume which, to me, is quite disappointing for such a garnered piece/brand. Especially with the 102 detent reference.
Am I missing something?
What stands out to me is the limited volume control range. When I was researching a preamp for my needs this seemed to be the exact fit I was looking for. It is specified as having 102 detents on the volume control which seemed like a good range of sensitivity to me.
What I find is it is only 6-8 clicks on the volume control from lowest/no volume to maximum tolerable volume which, to me, is quite disappointing for such a garnered piece/brand. Especially with the 102 detent reference.
Am I missing something?