AR SP-c1 pre-amp

I heard this in the dim mists of the past way back in college before I could afford my own system. I believe they were made from the mid 60's to the early 70's. The first ARC unit I owned was the SP-3A which I recall at the time sounded a lot better than the SP-1. I gave away my SP-3A for free (That was probably a mistake) I would guess the only real value would be if you view this as a collectable. Blue Book retail is $300.

pls1, i think what you saw was a misprint. sp3a1 yes. i once rejected the sp3 because i could detect a slightly fatter bottom than the other preamps we were comparing. its stupid looking for flaws instead of looking for the excellences. now i have an sp3a1 thats in need of restoration, some idiot took a wire cutter to the tone control circuit. its going to take a vacation in minn if the hotel isnt too expensive. a fine sounding unit! it sure woke up my adcom 555II. i can hear the sneering comments now but just use your ears. the 555II is a credible amp. regards.........tr

I must not have been clear. There was definetly an ARC SP-1 unit in the late 60's/early 70s which I heard. I do not recall an a,b,or c designation. I bought an SP-3 in the early 70's and upgraded to the SP-3A. It was a fine preamp for its time that has achieved some cult status (which is why giving it away was a bad idea). I followed the ARC preamp line through the SP-6 and SP-11 when I moved over to CJ and hence to Melos. From reading eldragons other posts I have made some suppositions about his expectations and preferences, hence my opinion that I would not bother with an SP-1 even in my bedroom system.