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

 Why not borrow the SP9 and listen to it in your system for a few days. That is the only way you will know for sure.

 Preamps have come a long way in the last 30 years, even in the last 10 years. I owned a SP9 in the late 1980s. Most of my later preamps were much better. The Audio Research LS25 mk2 I had was a huge improvement over the SP9. Not to mention my current Ref 5se which is infinitely better.

 If it were me, I would keep the LS3 and buy a separate phono preamp for now. Later I would consider maybe upgrading the LS3 .