2. amps-preamps
  3. 1303769885

ARC SP8 as Phono Stage

Thanks to an A'gon transaction, an LS17 should be arriving in the near future to replace my SP8. So one simple question, and one subjective one:

The easy question (really looking for confirmation): I would like to use my SP8 as a phono stage, while letting the bank account rebuild, and then watch A'gon to see if an ARC PH5 appears. I believe that if I connect the line-outs from my SP8 to the phono-ins on the LS17, that will effectively use the SP8 as a phono stage, correct?

Subjective: Would anyone venture what level phono stage I would need to better the SP8-as-phono set-up? In other words, would virtually any dedicated phono stage be better, or would I need a $1K stage to better the SP8, etc. (if I don't go the PH5 route)?
palewin

Showing 1 response by microstrip

microstrip
180 posts
 
Hi,
I would not say that the SP8 and SP10 had "horrible line stage performance". More recent preamplifiers can be more transparent and better sounding, but one great system I heard included a Meridian CD player, an SP8, and Electrocompaniet amplifier and Quad ESL63 speakers. Surely not a system for rock, heavy metal or loud listening, but it sounded fantastic with acoustic, jazz and classical music.
Although I do not have it anymore, my SP10 also sounded very good with CDs.
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