2. amps-preamps
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ARC preamp line up

Just getting into ARC preamps and while i was hesitant to jump on an SP5, I have to admit I am thrilled about the soundstage and detail. I thought I was going to have issues with it being too analytical or bright but turns out I really like the sound...to boot it has a phono for my LP12.

I also know that the Sp5 seems to have little or no praise and is probably one of the cheaper models, but having said that, it sounds so good to me.

So my question is, what is the next step up from this model in terms of solid state and if I go to the earlier models (read below $1K) with/without the single 6922 tube do I lose anything that I like with my SP5? From my research I guess i should only be looking at the SP series for phono or do some of the LS models come with phono?

thx for your input
vinylb

Showing 2 responses by 2chnlben

2chnlben
595 posts
 
Important Note:

If you plan to pair a tube preamp with a solid state amp, make sure the amp is designed to be paired with “tubed” gear. You’ll do this by checking the input impedance specs of the amp. If your solid state amp has a low input impedance, it likely will not “play well” (i.e.: sound like crap) with the tubed preamp typically designed with much higher input impedance
2chnlben
595 posts
 
Vinylb

For example, the ARC SP17 has a line stage input impedance of 60K, which would not be a great match with your solid state amp with an input impedance of only 47K.

Krell, for example, builds many of their amps with tubed pre-amps in mind - such as their 402e with a single ended input impedance of 100k and 200k for balanced.

I think the ARC Sp5 is a solid state...?

Anyway, be sure to consider this important factor...

_Ben
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