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Heads Up: ARC is introducing the new SP-20 in Fall

An excerpt from ARCDB web site:

"Tube stereo preamplifier.

"As a result of the ever-increasing demand for a full-function preamplifier with a level of performance substantially above that of the SP17, we are pleased to introduce the striking new SP20 vacuum-tube preamplifier. Influenced by some of our classic groundbreaking SP preamplifiers but with performance that is only achievable by our best LS- and PH-series designs, the SP20 offers inspirational performance combined with real value. ..."

MSRP is $9000 -- a veritable bargain. ;-(
bifwynne
chris_launder
66 posts
 

I remember back in the Golden Era of hifi that ARC used Infinity RS1's and the Infinity IRS , myself , I used to own a pair of Infinity RS2b's . Although I have no doubt that the Wilson's are a step forward I really look back with fond memories of that monthly ritual of polishing my Infinity's with teak oil and marvelling at the quality of the woodwork , those Infinity's from the late 70's to late 80's were pieces of art , methinks .
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Chris -- were the RS speakers the electrostats? If so, I remember those speakers too. They were spectacular.
chris_launder
66 posts
 
@Bifwynne , no , they were not electrostats , they were planar , emits & emims ( electromagnetic induction midrange / tweeter ) & yes , they were spectacular . The Boss' Born to Run played at high volume through a pair of RS1's was a joy to behold , but not from the neighbours' perspective .....
shasta
155 posts
 
I think the SP-20 is an attempt to make up for the oddball knob-less SP-17, which, AFAIK, garnered only 1 review.

When trying to figure out manufacturing costs of the unit, everyone has ignored the custom ICs required for the touchscreen control display.

I'd love to hear the SP-20 coupled with a Ref75 amp, but at $18k retail...wow and ouch.
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