Modulus 3A vs ARC LS 15,25 linestages Bal.

None! I've owned the LS 16, and had the LS15 for a while as well...the Modulus, over all, is a better preamp in myoppinion! The LS16 is pretty good, when you use good tubes..otherwise, I wouldn't switch. But, you can alway's try!..then you'll know...

Could you please elaborate on possible tube rolls for the LS-16?

I housesat for a month while my brother was on his honeymoon and listened extensively to his AR 100.2/LS-16 combo w/ Vandersteen 3A Sigs. Surprisingly, I found it to have slightly rolled off highs, muted mids, and fuzzy bass. It was really disappointing, because he had such high praises for his $10k+ system.

The overall sound wasn't bad, just not as clean and tight as I thought it would be. I originally thought that the 100.2 amp didn't have sufficient current to control the Vandy's, but I posted this over at AA and someone said that the culprit was probably the pre because the 100.2 is one of the best SS amps AR has ever made. I am sure that the LS-16 has the original OEM tubes and he's only had it less than 2 years.

Any thoughts on this?

ps. one possible culprit may be his cabling.

Darkmoebius,

How old are the tubes in the LS16? Sounds like they need replacing? I heard a BIG difference when I went from single ended to balanced using my LS25 MKII. I had a slight hum that wouldn't go away, as soon as I changed to balanced it disappeared! And the single ended cables were in excellent condition prior to changing. Each system will offer sliightly different results, it's that synergy word again.