Audio Research SP9 MKII

IMHO, it's always better to get the factory original version, whether it's a MKI or MKII or MKIII.  Upgraded/updated ones might not be "exactly" the same as the factory original.

BTW, I have a SP9MKII (factory original) and love it.  One of my favorite all-time preamps.  I know there are some on here that don't like it, but I've owned 8 or 9 different ones and find it to be an excellent performer.  I seem to always go back to this model for awhile.

This is strictly personal taste, but I’ve owned all three versions and my favorite is the MKII. If you want remote, the MKIII was the only way to get it as an option.

I don’t think that ARC does the MKIII upgrade any longer to that unit. Actually I think it’s been quite awhile since they’ve done any upgrades to the SP9 series. They will, of course, still work on them, but not upgrade them.

I could be wrong...