2. amps-preamps
  3. 1383841507

What Preamp to replace ARC sp-9 mkIII

I am thinking of replacing my sp-9 mkIII that has been in my system since 97. Sonically I love it. However I do ocasionally have issues with light distortion at the gain and balance controls. Unit has been to ARC twice for service over the years. I know other ARC gear owners that have similar complaints. Something I have lived with because it sounds so good. I listen to vinyl exclusively. Phono stage must be tops. I also like the hybrid sound of the sp-9 and am a bit concerned going to full tube pre given my speakers- Vandersteen 2ce sig. Amp is an Aragon 8008st. Cables Harmonic Tech. Was considering BAT gear or an upgrade to another ARC piece...up to $3000 budget. Suggestions? Thanks...
jpwack
Post removed 
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Lots of really good line stages or phono stages at that price, but its's kind of in-between for a full function pre. Not sure that BAT is tops for phono stage and it is I believe not a hybrid design. Of course you need balanced gear to really make it shine. If you can run fully balanced the Atma-sphere MP-3 would be a good choice. OR Maybe a Joule 150 w built in phono stage or a CAT? I had an older CAT and I found the stepped attenuator, coupled w relatively high gain of the unit, to be too coarse to be able to adjust the volume satisfactorily.
twb2
129 posts
 
Having owned one, I would say almost any modern preamp. Also, I would opt for a separate phono stage so that you can move up when you're ready. A used Asthethix Calypso would be a major upgrade for about $2500. If you insist on the phone stage being included, then consider the Janus. I own a Rhea which is very nice, but recently replaced it with an ARC REF-2SE phono stage, a little beyond your budget.
closdesducs's avatar
closdesducs
60 posts
 
While I too kept my SP-9, mki, I later acquired an SP-10 mki that was a workhouse in my system and paired well with Vandy 3A's and both an ARC VT100 mkiii amp and a pair of ARC M100 monoblocks. Mostly analog playback. A year later, I added an SP-11 mki that was pleasing with digital sources but less so (IMO) than the SP-10 for analog. But I did go back later and replace the stock ARC (Russian?) tube in the SP-9 with Siemen CCa's which really kicked up the 9's performance. Perhaps a little tube rolling might improve your existing situation?
More to discover