Big question is do you need a phono section?
all of the audio research sp series had phono stage
newer reference series does not
i would recommend sp 6 or sp 20
sp 6 does not balanced outputs
not sure about sp 20
Used tube preamp $2-3K
Scouting for an above mentioned preamp driving both 2a3 monos, UL/triode monos and push pull monos. Plus two FW F3, F5 amps. DAC source 75%, CD 25%. Currently using an older Audio Mirror which may be a bottle neck. Current speakers are Coherent GR12 Sigs, Klipsch LS and Jubilee. Remote is a near must, dynamic with speed and detail and transparency. I find a nice CJ 17ls, a Coincident and even a much less expensive Schiit Freya+. The CJ seems highly touted and I like the relay based volume control vs the standard Alps wiper normally found. All insight appreciated, Thanks.