Audio Research SP9 MKII to MKIII Upgrade

There is an audio research sp-9 MKI for sale and would like an mkII or an MKIII , however is starting out with

a sp-9 mk 1 to a mkII worth it or go out and buy a mkII directly or sn MKIII?

First time here so Hello to everyone.

I had the MKIII upgrade done a year ago. There is a noticable improvement in sound quality, that I believe was worth the $800 cost. While the advice to sell your MKII and buy a MKIII on Audiogon is economically sound, I should mention that ARC included a really nice screwdriver when they returned my upgraded SP-9!!!

Try listening to the amp with 7308 tubes instead of the stock 6DJ8. I'm using Gold Aero Platinum Grade Gold Pin on my Mk II.

One cheap mod that makes a big difference is using fast recovery diodes in the power supply.

Apparently ARC can also add a remote to the SP9 for about $700. Ouch!!!
More curiously though is how well the SP9 mkIII or modded version would compare to say a newer sp16 or the like. It seems as though modding or upgrading is really pricey and there are quite a few newer models available on Audiogon for less than the cost of the mods.
I'm asking because I am considering an SP9 myself.

There is a Mark3 for sale here at $900. there are two Mark2's for sale at $635, so it seems that you may want to consider Swklein's advice.

If you're seriously considering moding your SP9, you might want to chat with Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound about it. I had him mod my SP9 MKII to their Reference level which I have been extremely happy with. While not cheap, there are a number of things Steve can do that I suspect would easily beat out the MkII to III upgrade. Contact info can be found at http://www.greatnorthernsound.com. Definitely worth an email or phone call!

The jump in quality from MKII to MK III is substantial, and well worth the cost. However, it's cheaper to do what I did-- sell my Mk II on Audiogon and buy a used Mk III. I probably paid $150 for a mod that would have cost $800 if I'd sent my unit back to the factory.