2. amps-preamps
  3. 1105718947

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
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.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
They seem to have made it very difficult to follow the model lines and what the sound like.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hello Chang. I would certainly concurr with your observations, I have owned an Sp-10 mk2 since it was first introduced and I personally believe it to be the finest preamp ARC ever produced [haven't heard the latest reference 3]and yes,it's in a whole higher leaugue than the sp-8. However,Scott was comparing preamps for under $1000. If you can find me another SP-10 for under a kilo buck I will buy every one you can find.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
So here it is.
My system is this. Pair of Rogue Magnum 120's
Vandersteen 2C's
VPI Hw 19 TT w/ Grado Reference Sonata
All Discovery IC's
Apature Silver Speaker Cables
Graham Slee Era Gold phono stage
CAL CL15 CD
I listen to mostly vinyl, 60's and 70's rock.
What preamp do I want ?
Thanks, Scott
newbee
4,768 posts
 
I really don't know what pre amp you want. Like Ecclectique, I have had a SP10II since it first came out and have no intent to part with it. If I didn't have it I would buy a used CAT or a MFA Lumi. But these are beyond your budget. My recommendation to you in the ARC line would be a later edition of the SP8. If you want to stay in really high end SS you might find a Threshold HL10e - it's a line stage, but since you already have a phono stage it could work for you. You should easily find one within your budget.
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