Gah, that's horrible. I shouldn't be surprised, though. I suppose it's easier for them to fake the SS gear than the tube stuff, to boot. That said, the LS9 is a fairly uncommon unit. I have a feeling that if the Chinese were going to start making AR clones, they'd go for one of the SP series preamps or other models that are closer to the "normal" (taller) AR form factor. The seller I bought it from has quite a few feedbacks and a spotless record on Audiogon. I'm pretty sure the unit he is selling is the real McCoy. I should know by this time next week...