1970's Audio Research Equipment, worth having?

I have owned an SP-3A-1 since 1974, and in 2003 I had it upgraded to an SP-3c. I also own an LS-15. Lately I've gotten the bug to upgrade. I am thinking of selling both, adding a few $, and buying an LS-26 (used). Any thoughts ? Would the LS-26 be a big upgrade from either the SP-3c or the LS-15 ?

Why do member's re-open dead threads that've had no action for over three years?

I've never read the thread before...so it's new to me.

Put me in the ARC camp.   I hear the SP-3 and power amps driving Harry Pearson's maggies and was smitten.

In 1980 I bought a demo SP-6b and D90, driving IMF monitors and stayed happily with these for 10 years until I traded the IMF's for Thiel 3.5's in 1990.  Again I was happy but eventually traded the D90 for a VTL ST-85, a mix of trade-offs.  Eventually I sold the SP-6b when I went to surround sound in the early '90's, but about three years ago bought an old, much used 6a which I had upgraded with new caps and a new tube set.  The magic is back, with an even better bass than the 6b.  I am currently contemplating purchasing a D115mkii to complete my return to ARC.

To answer your question as originally asked, yes older ARC stuff is still good and a great bargain in today's market.  Expect to do some refurbishing, but also expect you will be content for many years.

Harry, FWIW, be sure to hear the D115II before you buy it. I had one with my 'matching' SP10 - it was a disappointing experience. Not the SP10 - I kept it for 30 years, but I found the ARC lacked warmth and maintanence, both biasing and replacing resistors when a tube blew, was a