DESCRIPTION :

The new LS8 MKII is a pure Class-A circuit design with a large, fully-regulated power supply and is hand-assembled to the same critical standards as other Audio Research products. MKII component improvements include new regulator FET devices, higher-quality resistors, new Infinicap(r) coupling capacitors and our latest selected 6922 twin triode vacuum tubes. Mechanically, the MKII incorporates new chassis isolation feet, extensive internal chassis damping, and the proprietary clear tube damping rings also used in the LS16, LS25 and Reference 2 models.

The cumulative sonic gains are exciting: less smearing with tighter focus of individual instruments, more lucid and natural-sounding upper frequencies, better sorting out of complex orchestral programs, improved dynamics and better bass control and impact. The overall sonic presentation is smoother, more extended in range and more convincingly authoritative.

External appearance and operational controls -- Gain, Input Select, Power On / Off, and Mute / Operate -- are unchanged except for the identifying MKII designation on the rear panel (which sports a removable IEC-type power cord). A factory update to MKII status is available to owners of original LS8 units.

Updates must be prescheduled through your authorised dealer.

We believe the new LS8 MKII actually outperforms the recently discontinued LS15 when driving a power amplifier with single-ended inputs. There is simply no other preamp in this price range which is better able to provide such refined resolution, musicality and naturalness in a simple-to-operate, easy-to-own package. Audition the new LS8 MKII at your nearest authorized Audio Research retailer soon to better appreciate how it can bring new life to your music system.