ARC preamp line up

First, you mention solid state. While the SP-5 was a solid state pre-amp, none of the later SP series were; all were tubed. Looking at later SP-series pre-amps, the SP-9 had two tubes, the SP-14 had three, and all the others had more. So there really isn't a solid-state ARC step-up in the line.

I had an SP-8 for many years, and used the built-in phono stage with my Linn LP12 as well. I thought it was a good unit, but when I upgraded to an LS17 (line stage, no phono section) and a PH5 phono section, it was a significant improvement all around (i.e. the LS17 sounded better than the SP-8, and the PH5 sounded better than the SP-8 phono section). Also, all of the older SP pre-amps were pretty high gain, which made using them with a CD player problematic, since the CD player already has a high input voltage relative to other inputs.

I owned an SP5 for many years and it was okay but the Analog Module technology (shared w/ the SP4) was not a sonic high water mark for ARC. By comparison the SP6 (all tube) was a contemporary of the SP5/SP4 and an overall much better offering. If you want to go all tube around the $1K mark an SP6 would be a good choice and it can be upgraded substantially if you get an original 6 or 6A which would sell for less than the later 6B through C/D/E variants.

Actually the SP14 has only (1) tube. It's a very nice unit also, but over your budget by a little. Also, the SP7 was the solid state replacement for the SP5. The LS9, LS10 and LS12 were solid state line stages. I was an ARC dealer for many years.

I guess what surprised me was how I fell in love with the solid state when I had my mind up that tube was the way to go...always liked tubes. Having said that, I dont have to go tube, but certainly will if price is right.

Is the Sp7 of the same cloth of the SP5? Am I wasting my time and $$ looking for one or should I focus on the models mentioned if I can find one below $1K ?

I keep seeing the SP9 mk1/2/3 being mentioned and have read conflicting views on it...too cold....harsh....but others swear by it regardless of mk1/2/3. I just want to make sure whatever I upgrade to retains and improves on the Sp5.

When was the remote option introduced? If it was optional does that mean the ir receiver was already part of circuitry and it was a matter of just buying the remote?

You should take a look at www.arcdb.ws This database will give you a chronologic history of both the preamps and line stages that ARC made through the Ref 5.