Audio Research SP17


Fellow Gear Fans,

I have the opportunity to purchase an SP17 in very good condition, gone over on a bench, for around $1,700.  I'd appreciate any comments, pros or cons.  I have two Pass Camp Amps that I can run as Monoblocks with it, if that would be a good match.  Other suggestions welcome.  Speakers I can use are Klipsch Forte II's with Crites upgrades or Heresy's -- both sets of speakers are from 1985 and 1987.  I also have Polk Audio 10B's from 1988.  Phono Preamp is KC Vibe, and turntable choices are Dual CS-5000, Rega P8, or Linn Sondek LP12.  Thanks!

allenf1963

It is an excellent preamp! I'd prefer to pay a bit less for it though. Say, $1500.

The SP17 would be an excellent choice. The preamp came with an option for a phono stage. Did it have one? 
 

I used a ARC preamps with Pass amps for at least a couple decades. Now all ARC equipment for me.

@skucie -- Here are the tech specs from the Pass Camp Amps.  I believe your answer is 10 kohm.

 

Frequency response 10 - 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Power (stereo) 8W into 8 Ohms per channel
Power (monoblock) 15W into 8 Ohms per channel. See ACA operation modes for details on monoblock operation.
Power Measurement Measured at clipping with 3% distortion
Distortion 0.7% at 1 Watt (primarily second order harmonic which being even-order is described as "sweet, tubey" and being low-order as "benign/inaudible")
Input impedance 10 Kohm
Max Gain 14dB
Damping factor 10
Output noise 100 uV
Power supply input Universal 86-264VAC 47-63HZ
Power supply output 24V 5A
Heat dissipation 20 Watts per Channel