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Audio Research SP9 MKII

Hello
Found two ARC SP9's for sale.  The first is the MKII with 6h23p-eb Russian 6922 tubes
the second was a SP9 that was sent back to ARC and upgraded to the MKII, it has 2-6922 Sovtek Tubes installed .

Question,  given they are both about the same price should which one would be the best one to purchase?
torchlake99
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
.
The SP9 MK2 was my first ARC preamp and didn't like it.  

I've had 5 ARC preamps since then and I have loved every one of them!
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torchlake99 OP
26 posts
 
what was the favorite and what was it about the 9 MKII that did not hit the mark?
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I've heard the SP-9 a number of times in a friends system. I owned the SP-14 for many years. If you can afford it, go with the SP-14. Its a much better sounding unit. I'll bet you can pick one up at a very reasonable price these days. I sold mine for $1000. years ago when I bought my new REF-3.  
torchlake99 OP
26 posts
 
Thanks, will look and see what is out there.
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
Having owned both the SP-9 mkII & SP-14, I have to agree with oregonpapa.  Both were good performers, when equipped with the Siemens, early 60's, grey shield, CCa, but- the 14 did have better presentation than the 9.     I handed my 14 down to my son.   Whichever you settle on, install an IEC C14 connector(ie: http://www.partsconnexion.com/ac_furutech_plug_inlet.html) and upgrade the PC.  It's an easy project, given the aluminum chassis, and well worth the effort.
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