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Which Audio Research Preamp?

I currently have an Audio Research SP-9 MKII driving an Audio Research Classic 60 which in turn drive Vandersteen 2Ci's. I've been thinking of upgrading the preamp and have favored an Audio Research preamp, preferably one with a phono section. After reading many reviews and watching the classifieds on Audiogon there are a couple that are full featured and worth considering, the SP-14 and SP-15 and quite a few that are just a line stage (and require me to buy a phono preamp); the LS-5, LS-15, LS-16, LS-22, to name a few of the newer models in my price range. The question is are all these worth serious consideration and would they be a significant improvement over the SP-9? If anyone has recommendation for other brands that work well with the Classic 60 I'd be interested in hearing those too. Thanks!
pmotz
7 responses Add your response
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
The ARC LS 28 / Ref 6 IMO has over yesterdays design's is the wisdom of execution. These new pricier exotic production capacitors in these modern units are far more transparent, add in circuit improvements way less gain, wider bandwidth = superb spot on tonality This allows them to interface with a far wider range of gear that it's partnered with than ever before. , The latest cabinet build quality allows better rigidity and excellent ventilation = trouble-free operation and weighs less. It's a whole new league of entertainment.
 JohnnyR Audio Connection
wjt3
204 posts
 
Wow- 15 year jump-- What ARC now in 2017??
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
 I owned the ARC SP-9 and upgraded to the SP14 due to the better phono section. To my ears the SP14 has better soundstaging and imaging.
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
As for phono sections, is the SP-14´s phono clearly better sounding and is it more versatile for using different cartridges ? What is the lowest voltage value for LOMCs ?
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
THe SP9 is a very nice preamp

I own the LS 5 which is all balanced ins but is a spectacular preamp - more open than the ref-1
a very musical piece - light years above the LS2 I had before

an LS 15 16 or 22 is a lateral move, you are not really gaining anything

You might consider a Steve Huntley upgrade to your sp9
Steve worked for Audio Research, Wadia and Cal Labs as a designer, and makes significant upgrades to the pieces using the latest electronics and knows where each units limitations were. He has several levels of upgrades for specific Arc pieces and is very knowledgeable and straight forward. I'll be sending him my preamp.

greatnorthernsounds.com

do a search on gns here at audiogon, my friend has an LS22 and it really opened it up

Tom
vayasteve
171 posts
 
Why would you want to upgrade to SP-9 it's a very fantastic sounding preamp with and excellet phono section.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ncarv
983 posts
 
A friend of mine just bought an SP-9 Mk. II. He made three mods to it -- put in an IEC plug and oil caps and shielded the tubes. He said the IEC with a better power cord was by far the most significant improvement. It's a relatively cheap mod to see if there's any reason to upgrade.
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