What preamp do you plan to use? |
Quad 44,
ARC SP 8/10/11, depending on which models I might get. |
You also may like Quicksiver amps. They have individually biased output tubes instead of "Exact" matched sets like most ARC amps. Matched output tube are a pain IMO. The D79 has individual bias but is old and rare.
Quicksilver has just as good a reputation as ARC. |
All good preamp choices. I have owned an SP-8, SP-8 MKII and SP-11 MKII. I have intentionally stayed away from the SP-10 because of the high tube count.
The D-79B is an excellent amplifier. The only other choice may be Classic 120 monos. They are in the $3,000 price range like the D-79B.
ARC SP-8 MKII price range is $1,000 - $1,200. When properly tubed and in perfect working order the SP-8 MKII sounds like a one box version of an SP-10. It is ultra neutral and it has a terrific phono stage.
ARC SP-11 MKII price range is $2,000 - $2,500 depending on condition. |
Axtl,
I would recommend an ARC D70. Either a mk1 or maybe a little better, a Mk2.
I listen to this amp with Sonus Faber Guarneri's and it is a great match up;excelling on classical and jazz.
The D-70 can also be had for what is IMHO a steal of a price nowadays.
The D-70 will also work well with either an SP-8 or10...my preference is for the SP-10Mk2. Although, I agree that this pre-amp is more costly to run. |
Thanks a lot for all replies.
I am after ARC equipment since in Scandinavia ARC tube amps are quite commonly used with Sonab and Carlsson loadspeakers |
What do you think of D 90? |
All of the Audio Research amplifiers are very good. It just depends on how much money you want to spend. One of the best of the older amps is the D-115 MKII and it mates perfectly with the SP-8 MKII. |
The cost will perhaps not be a very limiting factor as to this, what really counts is to have a perfect match between the amplifier and the loudspeaker.
By the way, I will probably start to use other loudspeakers, the Gradient Revolution.
Do you know whether an ARC would suit to the midrange and treble section of the Gradients?
Impedance = 3 ohms in Active mode, and sensitivity around 91 dB.
Best regards,
Axtl |
IMHO, I think you're heading in the wrong direction with those speakers, if you want to use an ARC tube amp. Low impedance and efficiency does not make a tube amp happy. |
Correction: Low impedance and efficiency does not make an Audio Research tube amp happy. |
I have owned many Audio Research amplifiers with incredible results, but I have never asked a tube amplifier to drive a low impedance load, so I really couldn't say. |
Axtl, as Rrog pointed out, all of the ARC tube amps are very good. However, IMHO, the D70 and the D115 are the cream of the crop from that era. ( With slight preference given to the Mk 2 version of each).
If you don't need the extra power, I prefer the D70 to the D115 or the D90. Again, like Rrog said, it depends on your budget. |
Actually the cream of the crop of that era are the M-100 monoblock amps. |
Interesting Rgurney, I listened to the M-100's a few years ago on a Dunlavy based system and they were very dry in the mids ,IMHO. Personally, I way prefer the D70 or 115 to them, at least on the Dunlavy's. The midrange magic of the D70 and to a slightly lesser extent the 115 was MIA on the M100's. TETO. |
I have a pair of M100s. They are the absolute best. Get them if you can find a pair. Make sure to get new PS caps (There are many many of them), or the amp will not be at its best. |
Thanks a lot for the recommendations.
By the way, today I was offered a SP 10. So I am wondering if I should go for this one. Working ok though the electrolytic capacitors are unchanged.
Regards,
axtl |
Axtl, I've heard but never owned a SP-10. They can sound wonderful. Many feel it is one of the best preamps ever made for a phono based system.
Here are some considerations:
* can be expensive to purchase due to reputation,
* two box system w/ separate power supply (may offer better [quieter] performance but requires twice as much shelf space,
* runs hotter than most preamps,
* many tubes so expensive to replace,
* like any component of this vintage, will require some restoration (electrolytics at a minimum), and
* if vinyl playback will not be a majority of your listening you may find several alternatives for less money.
Good luck. |
