Nuprime vs preamp rebuild.

As is said often, let your ears decide. I think tidal gives 1 month trials. If you decide you like it, take my advice and don't favorite everything you like, build playlists or just favorite the artist and not each individual album. I have found so much amazing music that I'd never have found otherwise and began "favoriting" it all. Tidal runs a lot slower this way, I've not noticed any loss in sound quality but the desk top version is a pain to scroll through. I've noticed no such issues w/ my iPhone though so it may just be my old laptop. 

Thanks for the above.  Given the age of my SP-3, the Nuprime preamp may do just as well, perhaps better, and of course the dac upgrade should be substantial.

I actually went from the HRT to the Halide DAC to the Nuprime. Each jump was very positive. I think as far as the DAC goes you will be impressed. Try to find a dealer that offers a return policy. 

Keep the SP3! It is a TRUE classic and worth some restoration! But don't send it to Audio Research - they will charge way too much! Even in its present state it can compete with today's top preamps! Just changing the power supply caps and adding a set of NOS tubes will be worthwhile! I own an SP6 (1976) - and speak from experience! 

Dear roberjerman—thank you very much.  I was aware of the status of the SP-3 and had no intention of parting with it.  I spoke with AR directly and got the name of a certified technician in my area whom they highly recommended.  Spoke with the latter who told me that while he would love to have my business, he felt I would get more for my money working with AR directly.  In a full rebuild, AR installs a new circuit board (I think that’s the term) which no one else can provide, and I came away with the impression that this was an important difference.  I actually never requested an estimate from the local technician what his services (parts included) might cost.  I was thinking that I would set the SP3 aside and that at some point in the future I would proceed with the full rebuild.   This leaves me with two questions for you or anyone else who cares to comment.  How do you think the preamp function of the Nuprime would compare with that of the SP-3?  Is there a big drop off or is the the difference a more modest one?  I still plan to upgrade the dac with budget around $1K.  Any recommendations?   Thanks in advance to you or anyone else who cares to comment!