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Used Audio Research Preamp Options

Before I pose my question, I do admit that I expect mixed responses since the question is somewhat subjective. That been said, I think I have pushed myself into an obsession to own an Audio Research preamp. I know there are better preamps out there for the money and I might ultimately overcome this obsession but I'd like to hear from folks who have owned different ARC preamp's over the years about their personal experiences. So here is my question: if you had $2500 to spend, which used ARC preamp would you buy? A line stage component would be fine, tube or SS. I'm also making an assumption which may not be completely valid and that is any of these preamps will be an upgrade from my NAD C165BEE. Any comments will be appreciated here too. My other components are McIntosh MC2200 (100K impedance) and a Vincent SP-331 ( 47K impedance,150w in 8 ohm/300w 4 ohm) amplifiers. Not sure if speakers matter- ML Aerius, Def. Tech. BP20 since I'm also looking for an upgrade route there too. Thanks.

128x128kalali
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
kalali,

That's a shame if the Vincent SA-T8 is now unavailable in the States. I havn't heard the SA-T7. Reading about it it's only Single Ended with a couple of digital inputs included. As it rained all day in Mebourne, I've just been playing around with some of my equipment, and confirmed what a truly great Pre the SA-T8 is. As good as the massively upgraded AR SP9 is (think the jump from Mk.11 to 111, and then the same jump again, to what I call Mk. 1V). It has beaten out some highly regarded Pre's. And the highly regarded "giant killer" Doge 8 (with upraded tubes), which is a nice Pre. I was enjoying both Pre's.  When I put the SA-T8 back in the system, I was almost speechless. It is in another stratosphere (better). I still have the stock tubes in!  With upgraded tubes and possibly a couple of tweaks, who knows what the Vincent is capable of?

Anyway good luck kalali, hope you find something really nice.
bpoletti
1,556 posts
 
Don't get short term satisfaction with long-term disappointment.  Get the better-sounding preamp up front.  For the $2500, there are few, if any, really great new preamps.  There are some used line stages in that price range that some people, like.  My preference in a used line stage is the Herron Audio VTSP-1 with all the latest mods.  If available, it should cost a bit less that $2500.  IMO, it is better than any of the ARC preamps of its production period (through 2008 or so) and among a short list of top performing preamps regardless of cost. 

If you can scratch out a little more money, my opinion is that the Herron Audio VRSP-3 (R03) is as good as it gets.  I have never heard better regardless of cost.

So the question becomes....  Is it the music or the cosmetics / glamour you're really after? 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,898 posts
 
ARC pre-amps have acquired amongst audiophiles an aura of assumed superiority, don’t you think? Yet many of their owners never seem to be content, continuously and repeatedly upgrading. I've heard all the rationalizations, but you don't see it with other pre-amp brands.
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

Well, there's definitely some truth in both the perception of the glamour and more ARC owners upgrading to newer models. Could be explained as brand loyalty or great marketing but either way, it helps with both desirability and resale value. Another side benefit of these artifacts is there are mere owners out there to provide input of which model/year to buy. I have no doubt there are better preamps out there for a comparable price but its more difficult to get a broad owners' view of how good they are.

bpolleti - Strangely enough, there's a Herron VTSP-3a (R03) for sale right now in A'gon and not much of a stretch from my budget... in case anyone else is looking for one.

kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
At the risk of showing my ignorance, I went ahead and hooked up first my CD player and then my Bluesound Node wireless DAC directly t my MC2200. I put those two separate gain controls on the amp to use and the sound quality is quite good, maybe even a tad better than with the NAD preamp in between. I left it with the Bluesound for now since most of my listening is from Tidal or some college radio stations. So assuming I have no need for two of the preamp's main functions; volume control and source switching, would my $2500 buy me better sound if spent on an preamp or elsewhere on the audio path?
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