Audio Research sp 11 compared to the sp 10

Both the SP-10 and SP-11 are very capable preamps. They both have different sound signature and have their equal share of strengths and weaknesses.

Both of the above preamps will sound wonderful and magical under the hand of a capable audiophile.

I believe that modern preamp design already reaching its peak during the mid/late 80's. There is no break through in preamp design after that. The major break through is only on the price of the preamp....getting more and more expensive....

I once owned a ARC Ref 1 and it was in my shelf for only 5 hrs and I sold it on Gon the next day.

I agree that any quality preamp whenever it was made will work very well. I owned a sp11 for many years and enjoyed it very much. I do feel however that todays ( high end ) electronics have the advantage of using better parts that that where not avaliable back 15 years ago. I do feel todays top preamps sound more like live music!

I have a very nice SP11 I will be listing on GON soon I would like $1700.00 please call or e-mail me,thanks Ed 810.227.8435. I think it sounds great, but I'm going to an active LINN system.

I think the newer ones are not as musical. Just my taste.

If you use the phono section the SP 10 & 11 are excellent

Some of the upper end Line Stages are more resolving
The LS5 MKII or MKIII or Ref 2, LS 25

If you have an SP10 and would like to hear what it is really capable of doing with the latest capacitor upgrades look into Steve Huntley of Great Northern Sounds. He worked for ARC, Wadia and Cal and my friend's preamp was a whole different animal after his mod. I'm lining up my LS 5 soon.

Tom