ARC users please

I owned the SP-5 had it modified to an SP-7. It was as they others have said not the same sounding as the SP-8 which my best friend had and we constantly compared. I then tried the SP-9 for awhile(okay 3 weeks) and traded up to the SP-14, which I really liked when I was usung a phono stage!

I'm now using an LS 25 MkII which I've really been happy with.IMHO the older designs are more"romantic" sounding but in all honesty to me they did need to be upgraded in some way to be great across the whole frequency range. Usually excelled in the Midrange and upper midrange but did not have the tight fast low end and extended highs that the newer units have. But then again they aren't perfect either;)

Okay, that is my point. SP-5,7,8,9 and 14 and then a 25.
How do you keep track of the good ones from the bad ones?

Most of the "Even" numbers are better than "Odd" ones.
: )

Ecclectique thanks.My 99 should be coming soon.Heard mostly good comments about the unit,some bad ones too.I'll see for myself.It will be my first tube pre.I was also looking at SLP-98L or First sound but $$$.The LS3B will definitely stay to keep company to my Mark Levinson 27.5.
Cheers
George

Hi, Any one compare between Arc ls5 and the vk 3i they are both tubes pre? Just wonder if either of them will fix good in VTL delux 300. Any input will be very appreciated.