2. amps-preamps
  3. 125551-7127

Preamp for audio research ref110

Hi, just purchased an arc ref110. My current preamp is an arc sp9 mkii. Unfortunately it doesn't have balanced outputs (why do they sell them like that? given that most of their amps need balanced). I am looking for a short term and long term solution. For the short term I would like to at least test the amp with a minimum of investment (as I need to wait until the purse reloads). So my questions are: is there anyway to use what I have for a while? And what would be a good longer term solution hopefully under 3k. And by the way I use records so I need a phono solution. Thank you all in advance. 
oferi

Showing 3 responses by czarivey

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
For short term, IMO it's not reasonable to invest into Jensen Transformer. spending extra $200-ish, it's wiser to sell SP9 and get fully balanced preamp. There are active balanced converters sold by major pro-audio internet retailers along with B&H photovideo and J&R stores of Manhattan for much lower price point, but even that can wait till you get REAL stuff...

BAT VK3i normally with no phono, but VK installs phono-board there for $500 and it will be HUGE step above SP9.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Al,
It's all good, but to me it's OK to live few days with unbalanced depleted signal. ARC preamps have very high line-stage gain so the volume won't be deficient at all till the other unit arrives.


czarivey
5,946 posts
 
WOW great re-tubing suggestion for the preamp that is not a match to the fully balanced amp!

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