@curiousjim I’m the same way. I used to have between 15-45 tubes in my system at any given time (the higher end of that number due to Atma-Sphere monoblocks at one point), but now I am fully solid state as well, no more tubes in any components. T+A and Audionet changed the way I perceived solid state, and I have recently since become a dealer for both.
Time to upgrade the pre-amp.
I am currently running and ARC SP-16l into an Art Audio PX-25 power amp which feeds a pair of Blumenhofer Genuin FS2s (94db). I listen to mostly vinyl atm, and I have an external phono stage (Icon PS1 mkii). I think at this point, the pre-amp is the weak link.
Although I am not wedded to buying another ARC preamp, I am leaning in that direction due to company reputation, longevity, accessibility of local dealers (Northern NJ) and resale value, though I am definitely looking for that full mid-range and "musicality" typically associated with all tube architectures.
I have an opportunity to buy an SP-11 for $4,000, and from what I am seeing, if I wait, I may be able to get an SP-10 in that same range. However, for ~$2,000 more, I could likely get a Ref 5SE, which would be the top of the budget, but has in addition to any sonic advantages, a remote and tube hour tracker.
My questions are: (1) is it worth holding out for the newer Ref series (~10 yrs old at this point) vs the SP10/11 which are 40 years old at this point; and (2) if it comes between the SP10 and SP11, What I have read here is that the SP10 is all tube, but while that unit’s phono stage is particularly strong, the rest of the line inputs are not up to the SP-11. If it turns out that they are close, I would likely choose the SP10 between those two.
Very interested in how folks think about this.
Showing 4 responses by blisshifi
@saulh I agree that the older ARC preamps are more prone to electronic problems down the road given their age, and newer ARC preamps deliver a more whitish / neutral sound, which is less reminiscent of the classic tube preamp sonic signature that you are searching for. One ARC preamp I found that delivers warmth and bloom is the LS28, which exhibited well more of this over the Ref 6, which is much more neutral. That said, for thousands less, I would encourage you to consider Modwright preamps, either the LS-100 or LS-36.5, or preamps from Rogue audio. You can get much further for the money, both are made in the USA, and their service is impeccable. |
I didn’t mention earlier but I had the LS28 and Ref 6 in possession at the same time and demoed them against each other in the two systems I had at the time , which I’d how I landed the comment above. Despite my preference for the tone, warmth and bloom of the LS28, the Ref 6 did resolve and sounded more “hifi”. |
@curiousjim Great call on the BHK. It is a hybrid tube preamp but it is spectacular for its price point and really hard to beat if you can get it on the used market for $3500 or less. I actually preferred it to more euphoric preamps like the $18K Viva Linea. Aftermarket tubes bring the unit to an even better level than the already decent stock Psvane. |