2. amps-preamps
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ARC users please

I have been trying many different budget preamps just for the fun of it. I have stumbled upon a Audio Research SP7.
This thing sounds amazing. Any preamp under $1000.00 that I put in my system doesn't come close to the sound of the SP7.
Everything else I try sounds like it is in mono compared to the SP7. I don't know how to describe the difference. The sound is more alive and every instrument is in place.
My question, is this a signiture ARC sound ?
I have read good and bad reviews of the LS3. So I am not sure if I need to look for a certain model to upgrade to, but still keep that synergy in my system that I have now.
Thanks, Scott
scottht
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
Scott
Go to www.arcdb.ws to find info on this and any other unit that ARC ever made.I don't agree with the comments expressed above regarding the ARC solid state pre-amps.I do own the LS3-B and love it.
Regards
George
scottht OP
398 posts
 
Yioryos
Great site, thank you.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
What is the difference between LS and SP besides the phono section ? In other words, is a SP 8 the same as a LS 8 ?
Do they use the same technology and sound the same except for not having a phono stage on the LS ?
Scott
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hello Scott. Yes, the SP designation offered an on board phono stage where LS is a line only. Although the number designation does not always correlate to the same preamp. Example.... The LS-5 line stage is basically the same topology as that of the line of the SP-8. Note:I believe the LS-5 has "balanced outs" only. The LS-5 is a terrific preamp and their most sought after line stage.It typically gets snapped up pretty quickly here or on the used market and the reason why the posters above are recommending the SP-8 series. You get the phono stage as a added bonus if your ever considering vinyl as a source.The phono stage alone is worth the price of admission as it's a great one.Hope this helps. cheers
s23chang
620 posts
 
The SS ARC preamp short lived because it wasn't as good as its tube ARC preamp. ARC decided to moved back to tube gear. The SP-10 and 11 MKIIs are much better and much sought after than 8/6/3. In our setups, they sound fuller and more musical than the LS-16 and 25s. Since we don't have any balanced equipments, we never tried the LS-5s.
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