Audio Research SP9 MKII

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.

Thanks all!

Buy the original MK.11 with the the russian tubes. If you have a good tech. get it upraded to Mk.111 spec. Then get him to put in dual volume pots, IEC socket for audiophile Power cable, beef up the Power supply 5 times put in russian milspec OTK tubes and you will have a killer pre.

I have an SP 9 Mk II coupled with a D130 and MMG’s. After 40 years I have tamed CD’s of their early high end stridency. It’s a lowly system but I absolutely love it; and ARC still fully supports both products. Could not be happier.