Thoughts on Audio Research D70

I have had a D70 MK2 with an Sp9 MK1 since 1988 with no problems.I bought the SP9 new when it came out ($1700 in 1988)and the D70 ($1000 1990 floor model )from a dealer with used tubes. I ordered ARC tubes and used them for a long time. The ARC tubes are better. Back then it was about $200 for a set. I have had the set for 20 years with Vandersteen 2Cs. Tired of the audio bug and just listened to music.

Anyone want to part with their D70? No tubes OK (even better). Itching to do a total rebuild project with it.

I work on them and retube them. Use ARC tubes only. Excellent amp. After 2000 hrs it's time for an output retube. I also set the bias down to 62-63mV @ 120Vac. Doesn't hurt the sound and runs a bit cooler. Very good amp. The D-115 is basically the same circuit with 2 more 6550's per channel.

As Hifigeek notes, the circuit is almost identical to the D-115 but with 4 output tubes instead of 8. This is a really nice tube amp, along with the D-115 and for the price of purchase on the used market, if in the market for a tube amp, you can't do better at the price, at least I haven't heard it. With improved caps and careful selection of input/driver tubes these amps can really compete if lacking the ultimate detail, air and bass control of much more expensive tube amplifiers. The build quality is superb as ARC is noted for. You can't lose, the prices used on these amps are higher now than 15 years ago indicating their continued value.

I pulled the trigger on an ARC D70mk2 about a year ago..here are my thoughts on it: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ramps&1277362082&&&/Audio-Research-D-70-mkII-Tube-amp-

Agree with Tubegroover, I do not think one can buy a better tube amp on the market for anything near the price. Don't agree that the amp lacks ultimate detail, air or bass control of more expensive tube amplifiers. In an 'AB' with a BAT VK75 amp of recent vintage, all preferred the ARC and by no small margin. I do think that everything else in the system has to be up to what the D70 can bring to the table.