2. amps-preamps
  3. 1105718947

ARC users please

I have been trying many different budget preamps just for the fun of it. I have stumbled upon a Audio Research SP7.
This thing sounds amazing. Any preamp under $1000.00 that I put in my system doesn't come close to the sound of the SP7.
Everything else I try sounds like it is in mono compared to the SP7. I don't know how to describe the difference. The sound is more alive and every instrument is in place.
My question, is this a signiture ARC sound ?
I have read good and bad reviews of the LS3. So I am not sure if I need to look for a certain model to upgrade to, but still keep that synergy in my system that I have now.
Thanks, Scott
scottht

Showing 7 responses by scottht

scottht OP
398 posts
 
Yioryos
Great site, thank you.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
What is the difference between LS and SP besides the phono section ? In other words, is a SP 8 the same as a LS 8 ?
Do they use the same technology and sound the same except for not having a phono stage on the LS ?
Scott
scottht OP
398 posts
 
They seem to have made it very difficult to follow the model lines and what the sound like.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
So here it is.
My system is this. Pair of Rogue Magnum 120's
Vandersteen 2C's
VPI Hw 19 TT w/ Grado Reference Sonata
All Discovery IC's
Apature Silver Speaker Cables
Graham Slee Era Gold phono stage
CAL CL15 CD
I listen to mostly vinyl, 60's and 70's rock.
What preamp do I want ?
Thanks, Scott
scottht OP
398 posts
 
I had the Rogue 99 Magnum for a while. I didn't like it really. The sonics weren't too bad. Not what I was looking for. But, I just didn't like the 99 much at all.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
How about Classe"
scottht OP
398 posts
 
Okay, that is my point. SP-5,7,8,9 and 14 and then a 25.
How do you keep track of the good ones from the bad ones?
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