ARC Hybrid FET/Tube audio circuit


Hopefully easy questions for you guys to answer, so here it goes.
I was recently told on the hybrid ARC preamps, only the phono section plays through the tube.
Ive also noticed a lot of the ARC preamps in my price range only have 1 Main RCA Output or a combination of RCA jacks and XLR.
So, questions are,
1.On ARC Hybrid do all the inputs play through the tube section or only the phono?
2. Can additional RCA outputs be added for a reasonable cost?
3. Can the combination of RCA and XLR be used concurrently, say the XLR to the main amp and the RCA to powered sub?
Thanks in advance for your input.
ltngstrucktwice

Showing 3 responses by hifigeek1

The above info is incorrect. The SP9 uses one tube in the phono stage and one tube in the high level stage. The SP14 utilizes one tube in the phono stage. The high level stage is solid state. There are better ARC preamps out there. They had issues with crosstalk that were improved in the MKII and MKIII versions.
Well it's not that difficult. Most ARC preamps utilize both tubes as solid state devices for things like constant current sources. Remember the SP9 and 14 use FET technology that is decades old. There are newer devices that sound a lot better as technology has improved. I myself use an old ARC SP3C. All tube except for the new FET regulator board that replaced the old power supply. It's a wonderful preamp.
Why not send your preamp back to Van Alstine and let him repair it and update it for you. Might I suggest finding a used Dynaco Pas 3. Inexpensive, and very up-datable. BTW calling me Gary is fine. Calling me Fred...that's another story.