Re SP10II line stage and assumedly the SP8 as well. I was able to do some A/B of the line stage with a passive line stage as well as another less pretentious tube line stage. With the passive line stage, as well as the lesser tube line stage, the imaging was slightly smaller, less dynamic, BUT more focused (better resolution) and with more apparent 'depth of image' but with slightly less height and width. Sort of a trade off. If optimum pin point imaging, especially depth of image which accompanies a high degree of resolution, is not a big deal then the SP10 is a great pre-amp with an excellent phono stage. Sort of like comparing the sound of large panel speakers to high res box speakers. Courses for horses I think.
Re Jafox's comments, consider he has a history with ARC products behind his observations, and he has posted his opinions often, however these observations on the SP10 are IMHO more specific to the relative quality compared to his other ARC products which he feels greatly improved on what was originally a SOTA pre-amp.
They (SP10s) are what they are, but they are by no means horrible. That is just attention grabbing hyperbole, IMHO.
Re Jafox's comments, consider he has a history with ARC products behind his observations, and he has posted his opinions often, however these observations on the SP10 are IMHO more specific to the relative quality compared to his other ARC products which he feels greatly improved on what was originally a SOTA pre-amp.
They (SP10s) are what they are, but they are by no means horrible. That is just attention grabbing hyperbole, IMHO.