2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research SP17

Fellow Gear Fans,

I have the opportunity to purchase an SP17 in very good condition, gone over on a bench, for around $1,700.  I'd appreciate any comments, pros or cons.  I have two Pass Camp Amps that I can run as Monoblocks with it, if that would be a good match.  Other suggestions welcome.  Speakers I can use are Klipsch Forte II's with Crites upgrades or Heresy's -- both sets of speakers are from 1985 and 1987.  I also have Polk Audio 10B's from 1988.  Phono Preamp is KC Vibe, and turntable choices are Dual CS-5000, Rega P8, or Linn Sondek LP12.  Thanks!

allenf1963

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,502 posts
 

OP,

Audio Research has chosen relatively new, made specifically for high end audio tubes. So these are not tubes made decades ago and have all sorts of variations. Personally, I buy Audio Research to sound like they intended it to sound like, not all sorts of variations. But their are lots of folks that love playing around with the sound by changing the brand of tube… to something made in the 1940’s or some new gold plated thing out of China.

Personally I am not looking for greater variability, I am looking for the right sound for me and Audio Research with the tubes that come with it are what I like.

ghdprentice
7,502 posts
 

The SP17 would be an excellent choice. The preamp came with an option for a phono stage. Did it have one? 
 

I used a ARC preamps with Pass amps for at least a couple decades. Now all ARC equipment for me.

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