You mentioned Vandersteen likes Audio Research which I’ve heard too but they also like MCormack. I had Vandersteens and McCormack rev a mono blocks and that is a system I still miss. Very warm and natural a little different than the Audio Research.
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!
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- 30 posts total
Having owned the SP8 and 9, my thoughts. SP8 is complex and wonderful. I still have one. Retubing is no (economic) joke, however. On the SP9 you will want the MkIII. Cleaner all around. I had my MkI upgraded to III and really appreciated the difference. SP10 and 11 have a lot, I mean a lot, of now very expensive tubes. The SP6 is just too old, beloved though it may be. (IMHO) (But isn't everything?) That being said if I needed a pre, the REF3 would be it. Absolutely gorgeous in every way, and a thoroughly modern design. Drool worthy. And don't underestimate the seductive power of a remote. (At the moment, I'm happy with my Moon 390 and listening to SACD's at 176.4 over hdmi. Not DSD, but not a million bucks, either.) Just my 2cents. Good luck, have fun and buy what makes you happy. They're all good choices. |
@_rossbower The speakers themselves don't care. I think Richard (Vandersteen) hasn't heard an amp using feedback that does it properly. Feedback in itself is good, unless its poorly applied, then it can cause brightness and harshness, and it is commonly poorly applied in audio. If you hear an amp that uses feedback properly, you might be surprised at how natural it can sound (I think Richard might be surprised too). |
- 30 posts total