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.
40year old electronics are problematic as they likely are in need of repair. I’d check w/ ARC on the cost to ‘refurbish’ and if they even have the parts available. Also, if you’d prefer new, the Ref 6SE has been out for a few years now. My own experience is limited to the LS 28 SE which I think is very nice. |
@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. |
