ARC SP-11 MkII vs. ARC Ref. 1 & the winner is.....


I recently had the chance to do a direct comparison between the ARC SP-11 MkII and a ARC Ref.1 preamp. I tested the preamp in the same set-up, same vaccum tubes(6DJ8), same CD player and same speakers. At first I thought the ARC Ref. 1 will easily outperformed the "out-dated" ARC SP-11 MkII(1987). But to my surprise, the ARC SP-11 MkII outperformed the ARC Ref. 1 in every ways. For example in male and female vocal, the ARC SP-11 MkII were smooth, full and sounds like a real human vocal. In comparison, the Ref.1 sounds artifical, unnatural, harsh, less body and always sounds like reproduction signal. The SP-11 MkII also matching the Ref.1 in micro/macro dynamic, speed, sound-stage etc......
After 5 hrs. of carefull comparison, I packed the Ref. 1 in its original box, sealed and listed in Audiogon and I never look back...............
edle
I had a similar experience with an Agon seller A/B-ing his ARC Ref 3 against his SP-11 mki that he had listed for sale. On his system, the Ref 3 was marginally better, but it was so very close. I'm glad he sold me his SP-11. It's been a workhorse in my system for both analog & digital playback though I'm partial to my SP-10 for the phono stage. At least the 11 isn't as hard on tubes as the 10.
I thought the original SP11 Mk1 sounded more natural than the MkII. (I had the opportunity to convert to MKII but declined) Did anyone else find this?

As SP11 mk1 just sit on mine music room ! Yes , it's sing better than mine arc LS 26 + EAR 834P with Tele ecc 83 on it ...details , micro dynamic and transparency ; the only cons is the SP11 mk1 without XLR input and output ;no remote . IMHO 
can some one share his experience what tube rolling can make her sing better . In which tube position should placing , THX