2. amps-preamps
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Minimax or Audio Research SP 9 mk III ?


Budget is $600 for tube preamp. Looking to add some body and dynamics to the music.

Recently downsized from MWI 9.0 SE Signature and MWI 9100es.

System is Sony PSP 1, Red Wine 30.2 integrated and Vandersteen 2ce Signatures with Clear Day Silver Biwire speaker cables.

thanks

Ken
georgia2k
sns
3,003 posts
 
Agreed, the AR 9 Mk II is thin sounding and lacks dynamics, not one of AR's better offerings. NOS tubes won't give it sufficient body, the SS circuitry dominates any tube swaps.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,602 posts
 
.
Ken,......I noticed you mentioned a Sony PSP in your system. How do you configure it to play music in your system? I own a PSP and never looked beyond the gaming capabilities.

...thanks.....

...mitch
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kublakhan
717 posts
 
I agree with Mitch (and most of the rest.) I had an sp II and hated it. Had it for about 4 days. Thin sounding junk. Buy anything but.

With your budget, also check out the space tech offerings.
georgia2k OP
27 posts
 


Sony PlayStation 1 model SCPH-1001
It has rca outs and I'm going direct to my Red Wine 30.2.
Do a search " playstation 6moons" to read articles on using this. Cost me $20 for one on craislist.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I think one suggestion might be is try one of the older used Audio Research pre from before the sp9 models..The sp6,sp8 ( i have owned both ) models are much more lush and full ( and much better units in my mind )... They also have very good Phono stage built in...
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