2. amps-preamps
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Preamp for audio research ref110

Hi, just purchased an arc ref110. My current preamp is an arc sp9 mkii. Unfortunately it doesn't have balanced outputs (why do they sell them like that? given that most of their amps need balanced). I am looking for a short term and long term solution. For the short term I would like to at least test the amp with a minimum of investment (as I need to wait until the purse reloads). So my questions are: is there anyway to use what I have for a while? And what would be a good longer term solution hopefully under 3k. And by the way I use records so I need a phono solution. Thank you all in advance. 
oferi
jonandfamily's avatar
jonandfamily
123 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-ref-5-preamp-black-2016-07-18-preamplifiers-94...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-reference-3-preamplifier-2016-07-26-preamplifi...

I have a Ref-5 and previously used it with a Ref-110. I now have a Ref-150, because I needed more power for power hungry speakers, but either way, the 2 are magical. I know it's more than you want to spend, but you can find good deals on pre-owned ones.
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
Having been in this hobby for years and having owned the same preamp, I am with the others that have recommended selling the SP9 MKII. I went from that pre to a SP14, to a LS25 MKII, to now a Ref 5SE. Each preamp changed has added more to my musical enjoyment. Once you switch over balanced you will be smiling constantly.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Al,
It's all good, but to me it's OK to live few days with unbalanced depleted signal. ARC preamps have very high line-stage gain so the volume won't be deficient at all till the other unit arrives.


david12
1,454 posts
 
As a possible alternative, I recommend my Modwright 36.5. I found it to be a little better than the ARC Ref 3 I compared it with and a good bit cheaper. Modwright kit is in general, excellent value. I find ARc Power amps more to my taste , than the Pre's. The combination of the Modwright and ARC Ref 75SE, is perfect for me.
minorl
1,016 posts
 

if you are in the Los Angeles area, feel free to contact me.  I have two Jensen transformer devices that I'm not using that you are welcome to try out before you purchase one.

In the interim,  it is a very good way to go.  I bought them because I was using single ended out from my previous crossover to balanced in to my amps.  I then upgraded to a Krell KBX balanced crossover configured to work with my speakers and the need for the Jensen devices went away.

However, they work pretty good. 

Also, before you decide to get another full function with phono (I presume) pre-amp, I would first retube that SP9 MK II with new tubes.  I did that before and then auditioned a REF3 pre-amp side by  side (A/B) with the SP 9 and I have to tell you, although the REF 3 was/is better, it wasn't a jaw dropping difference.  and that retubed SP 9 MK II sounded really good.


enjoy

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