Help me choose an Audio Research preamp/line stage (Please?)
Setup: This will be feeding an ARC VS110 which will drive a pair of Vandersteen Quatro loudspeakers.
Sound preferences: Clean and high resolution, but skewing toward tube tonality and away from solid state tonality
Budget: $2,500, but possible to stretch to $3,500 if really necessary
Options: The following are currently available on hifishark, and have piqued my interest:
SP-6
SP-8
SP-9
SP-10
SP-11
LS-25
The SP-6 and SP-8 seem like the best value, delivering quality 80's ARC tube sound, without the cost and bulk of the SP-10 double chassis.
The SP-9 comes up often, and is inexpensive, but seems to have mixed reviews. I'm dubious about the sound quality.
The SP-10 and SP-11 are the clear kings and queens. I could have either for ~$3,500. Besides the cost, I am concerned about the double chassis. It would be awkward to fit into my current setup, though not impossible. In theory I could get a Reference 2, but it would be closer to $4,000, and would really be stretching my budget.
The LS-25 seems to be very well regarded, especially the Mk. 2 which eliminates half the tubes. I'm a bit concerned that it would sound too "solid state" for me, and also it's currently only available with a black faceplate, which I strongly don't prefer. However, it is the most modern option, and offers balanced connections.
Notable exceptions include the LS-5, which, despite being universally praised, is currently unavailable on the market. Similarly, the LS-16 is currently unavailable.
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Please help me narrow down my options!
@_rossbower The speakers themselves don't care. I think Richard (Vandersteen) hasn't heard an amp using feedback that does it properly. Feedback in itself is good, unless its poorly applied, then it can cause brightness and harshness, and it is commonly poorly applied in audio. If you hear an amp that uses feedback properly, you might be surprised at how natural it can sound (I think Richard might be surprised too). |
@_rossbower You do have to be careful with the regulators in the SP10 and SP11. They are easily damaged and prone to oscillation. |
