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ARC SP-11 MkII vs. ARC Ref. 1 & the winner is.....

I recently had the chance to do a direct comparison between the ARC SP-11 MkII and a ARC Ref.1 preamp. I tested the preamp in the same set-up, same vaccum tubes(6DJ8), same CD player and same speakers. At first I thought the ARC Ref. 1 will easily outperformed the "out-dated" ARC SP-11 MkII(1987). But to my surprise, the ARC SP-11 MkII outperformed the ARC Ref. 1 in every ways. For example in male and female vocal, the ARC SP-11 MkII were smooth, full and sounds like a real human vocal. In comparison, the Ref.1 sounds artifical, unnatural, harsh, less body and always sounds like reproduction signal. The SP-11 MkII also matching the Ref.1 in micro/macro dynamic, speed, sound-stage etc......
After 5 hrs. of carefull comparison, I packed the Ref. 1 in its original box, sealed and listed in Audiogon and I never look back...............
edle
sounddude
17 posts
 
The SP-11 MK2 is a remarkable product. Especially if you upgrade the caps, install the tube rings and replace the Soveiet 6922's with Siemens 6DJ8/6922 tubes. It has a more "muscular" sound versus the SP-10 MK2's more "romantic" sound. The SP-10 has more of a traditional Conrad Johnson type sound.

Compared to the Ref 1, SP-11 is not as quiet and the resolution is not as good. However, the over-all sound is more pleasant and more dynamic than the Ref 1. Reference 2 MK2 is much better than the SP-11 in every area, even after modifications and NOS Siemens tubes.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
I used to think I was just being sentimental, but I still think surprisingly little has improved in audio in nearly 20 years!?!? Hence, my "retro" system.

My SP-11 sounds great, looks great, feels great and I am listening happily to my system every day for the first time since about 1980.
ktchnman
2 posts
 
OK, so it's a decade later than most of these comments, and I obtained a SP-11 MK II, upgraded the caps and wiring, a couple of other "tweaks", and installed a set of 6 circa 1968 German-made Telefunken (cryo treated) 6922 tubes. It is, in a word, beautiful.
closdesducs's avatar
closdesducs
60 posts
 
I had a similar experience with an Agon seller A/B-ing his ARC Ref 3 against his SP-11 mki that he had listed for sale. On his system, the Ref 3 was marginally better, but it was so very close. I'm glad he sold me his SP-11. It's been a workhorse in my system for both analog & digital playback though I'm partial to my SP-10 for the phono stage. At least the 11 isn't as hard on tubes as the 10.
infinityaudio
5 posts
 
I thought the original SP11 Mk1 sounded more natural than the MkII. (I had the opportunity to convert to MKII but declined) Did anyone else find this?
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