2. amps-preamps
  3. 185695-89116

Help me choose an Audio Research preamp/line stage (Please?)

Setup: This will be feeding an ARC VS110 which will drive a pair of Vandersteen Quatro loudspeakers.

Sound preferences: Clean and high resolution, but skewing toward tube tonality and away from solid state tonality

Budget: $2,500, but possible to stretch to $3,500 if really necessary

Options: The following are currently available on hifishark, and have piqued my interest:

SP-6
SP-8
SP-9
SP-10
SP-11
LS-25

The SP-6 and SP-8 seem like the best value, delivering quality 80's ARC tube sound, without the cost and bulk of the SP-10 double chassis.

The SP-9 comes up often, and is inexpensive, but seems to have mixed reviews. I'm dubious about the sound quality.

The SP-10 and SP-11 are the clear kings and queens. I could have either for ~$3,500. Besides the cost, I am concerned about the double chassis. It would be awkward to fit into my current setup, though not impossible. In theory I could get a Reference 2, but it would be closer to $4,000, and would really be stretching my budget.

The LS-25 seems to be very well regarded, especially the Mk. 2 which eliminates half the tubes. I'm a bit concerned that it would sound too "solid state" for me, and also it's currently only available with a black faceplate, which I strongly don't prefer. However, it is the most modern option, and offers balanced connections.

Notable exceptions include the LS-5, which, despite being universally praised, is currently unavailable on the market. Similarly, the LS-16 is currently unavailable.

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Please help me narrow down my options!

_rossbower
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 

Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Stereo Tube Preamplifier; Remote; Lta;

TMR audio  has or had one for sale  much much better 

as well as far better design and you can use 4- different tube types 

6sn7 , plus 2- smaller tube choices , I have friends who have rebuilt them 

You are looking for problems with gear over 15 years old , and cheap old Alps volume pots , even the $900 Schiit audio has 128 step relay volume pot + remote 

the Microzotl blows them away  that's a fact, just look these up .AR was living off their name for over a decade, only their Reference gear was top quality ,thsts why in part they went bankrupt !!  I tell it like it is , I have been involved with multi state audio get together for years now and have seen inside most gear and much I’d shameful ,pretty box low to mid quality . 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 

Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Stereo Tube Preamplifier; Remote; Lta;

TMR audio  has or had one for sale  much much better 

as well as far better design and you can use 4- different tube types 

6sn7 , plus 2- smaller tube choices , I have friends who have rebuilt them 

You are looking for problems with gear over 15 years old , and cheap old Alps volume pots , even the $900 Schiit audio has 128 step relay volume pot + remote 

the Microzotl blows them away  that's a fact, just look these up .AR was living off their name for over a decade, only their Reference gear was top quality ,thsts why in part they went bankrupt !!  I tell it like it is , I have been involved with multi state audio get together for years now and have seen inside most gear and much I’d shameful ,pretty box low to mid quality . 

_rossbower OP
14 posts
 

I’m actually coming from a Schiit Freya+, with a Pangea Signature cord. I have Sylvania chrome sides from the mid 50’s snd RCA milspec from 1948.

I’m upgrading to ARC because I’m driving Vandersteen Quatro speakers, and ARC is one of a couple brands specifically recommended by Vandersteen. Also, I once owned some ARC equipment and liked it.

_rossbower OP
14 posts
 

Oh, also, I’m capable of replacing capacitors, resistors, plugs, etc myself, so I’m not worried about reliability issues. If a unit needs work, I can do that.

ghdprentice
7,190 posts
 

@dmaddox77

 

+1 Highly recommended.

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