Audio research

SP9 is considered a classic ARC preamp. Do the trade! I have an even older SP6 that I like better than any of the overpriced new ARC preamps! All of these from the SP2 to the SP15 will become desirable to collectors!

Get the SP9 and replace those modern tubes with some vintage 6DJ8's/6922's. Sylvania, Amperex, Philips ... Much better sonically than present day production!

“Much better sonically than present day production!”

@roberjerman, 

Did you had an chance to compare SP9 with LS28 or Ref6? 

Maxwell,
I owned the ARC SP9 MK II  for about 18 months and I would consider it a decent sounding preamplifier but nothing more. I subsequently replaced it with the Quicksilver full function preamplifier which was better in every respect with digital/CD  and analogue records.

This was over 20 years ago. Although the Quicksilver is no longer my main preamplifier it still works flawlessly. The SP9 was also IMO clearly outperformed by the ARC REF 2 and 3 models owned by a couple of friends.
Charles