2. amps-preamps
  3. 185695-89116

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

Showing 1 response by fredapplegate

fredapplegate
105 posts
 

Having owned the SP8 and 9, my thoughts.

SP8 is complex and wonderful. I still have one. Retubing is no (economic) joke, however. On the SP9 you will want the MkIII. Cleaner all around. I had my MkI upgraded to III and really appreciated the difference.

SP10 and 11 have a lot, I mean a lot, of now very expensive tubes.

The SP6 is just too old, beloved though it may be. (IMHO) (But isn't everything?)

That being said if I needed a pre, the REF3 would be it. Absolutely gorgeous in every way, and a thoroughly modern design. Drool worthy.

And don't underestimate the seductive power of a remote. 

(At the moment, I'm happy with my Moon 390 and listening to SACD's at 176.4 over hdmi. Not DSD, but not a million bucks, either.)

Just my 2cents.

Good luck, have fun and buy what makes you happy. They're all good choices.
(Oh, and I owned a Classic 60, and I'm still using a VT100MkIII with its 8 glorious 6550s. Yes, 8. Warm!)

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