Heads Up: ARC is introducing the new SP-20 in Fall


An excerpt from ARCDB web site:

"Tube stereo preamplifier.

"As a result of the ever-increasing demand for a full-function preamplifier with a level of performance substantially above that of the SP17, we are pleased to introduce the striking new SP20 vacuum-tube preamplifier. Influenced by some of our classic groundbreaking SP preamplifiers but with performance that is only achievable by our best LS- and PH-series designs, the SP20 offers inspirational performance combined with real value. ..."

MSRP is $9000 -- a veritable bargain. ;-(
bifwynne
I think, it is - like everything - a personal decision. There is a Fangroup for everything and we all know the situation being in a Demo, when it is over and you analyze what the Audiophiles say about, it is like 5 Audiophiles, 6 Opinions. Fact is, AR is very long in business and they made endless units, good for Dealers, good for them, they always have something to offer. I am confident they have made some world class units in history, or Reference units but at the moment I don't know which ones. The Word "reference" can be confusing, there is no Standard for it, Reference for whom or what? For the Manufacturer? For the Customer? Reference superior to former References?
The word Reference or next SP Model will be handled individually. Each his own. All I can say is my expectation and that is very simple:
I'll have to be transported into that recording session, I have the illusion of being a part of it, a kind of communication with the Session. You know, the time jump....Unfortunately I never got that impression listening with AR gear. But I will visit their demos the next 20 years, I am always ready to learn :-)
Syntax, I'll ask you the same question I asked Mr. Mustang. If you don't think Arc makes great reference gear than tell me who does. I'm not saying ARC gear is the best there is. I just want to know what you think is great gear.
Taters, I would love to hear an answer to the question you put forth but I just don't think your going to get a response because they have their own agenda, whatever that might be.
ARC is now an Italian company, certainly a player on the world stage, innovative performance -well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Introducing a new product every 6 months keeps the brand in the discussion. Incorporating the 6h30 tube into their circuits did improve the performance.

Aesthetix, Atma-sphere (my preference), Allnic, Balanced Audio, VTL, and Manley are American owned and manufactured that compete head to head with Arc. Choose your flavor.

My agenda is I am mad as hell about the cost. The market continues to get smaller and smaller. I do not consider any of these products a value. Like Tater I utilize the used market. Music is not a luxury it's a necessity.
My goodness folks. My OP was just an fyi to our community that ARC is coming out with a new preamp that has phono capabilities. I like my ARC gear. Others have their own favorites. Gazinct ga haid (go in health). That's why there's chocolate and vanilla.

Now ... if you want to start a fun audio war, let's jump start the thread about best speaker. But not here please.