2. amps-preamps
  3. 178939-172731

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.

saulh
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

SP10 is a classic.  I have had one for 40 years. It has given great pleasure.  It was state of the art when introduced.  Although very accurate and detailed, it is a but soft for some relative to today's high-end amps. You could call it a 'classic' sound and it is very good it that is your bag.  SP10 is all valve.  SP11 is hybrid.  On introduction, many reviewers mourned the demise of the SP10 as the transistors did change the sound.

Yes, capacitors and valves have been replaced in my SP10, but it is not my main pre-amp now;   I have a Ref 6.  Removing the rose coloured specs, Ref 6 is clearly a much better pre-amp than SP10.  But when I listen to the SP10 in my second system (all iconic old pieces) there is unmistakenly a warm pride of ownership and reminiscence.

So there you go OP.  Unless you are a fan of an older warmer sound or, like me, are a bit of an anachrophile, go for the modern amp.

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 

Best performance with that PX25 is going to have very little gain due to the high sensitivity of that amp.  The Art Audio Conductor or Conductor Simply MKii has an active tube stage with no gain (changes impedance) for optimal performance.  Whatever you choose, do your best to keep the gain in the preamp low.  Avoid CJ, KR, etc... 

 

bjw54
25 posts
 

0bigkidz did a upgrade and rebuild on my Counterpoint SA-2000 using top end parts. I really liked the stock unit, but he took it to an entirely new level in all areas!

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
339 posts
 

 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,855 posts
 

With the input sensitivity and gain of the Art amp, why do you think you need something with so much gain? You are only throwing it away.

 

Edit, I just saw @verdantaudio addressed this issue already.

 

 

 

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