Is Audio Research SP-6 considered a good model?

The ARC 6 was good! The 6-A was better!! The 6-B was one of the best per-amps ARC made. This was right before the SP-10. After the 6-B ARC came out with the 6-C, 6-E and from then is went down to just good. The "white" sound came into the picture and the flesh and bones of the orchestra and musicians started to fade. The SP-8 is also a better model then the 6-C, 6-E.

Rick (RWD)

I agree the SP-8 is definitely a good model, especially at the used price, an improvement over the SP-6. I have owned both. The SP-10 Mk2 is even better. To tell you the truth, I still love the sound of this pre-amp even compared to new models and would trade my Supratek Syrah for one in a heartbeat, love that phono stage! I have a friend who owns one and no it doesn't have the detail or extension of other pre-amps but it really draws you into the music so you can just forget about the sound. The SP-8 also does this but doesn't quite match the immediacy, depth or bass weight presented by the SP-10.

It is easy to see why there is still interest in these models.

I would definitely talk with Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound. The SP6 is on his list of packaged mods which means he knows the potential of this piece of equipment. Steve's a great guy to talk with and he will give you solid advice. I have nothing but praise for GNSC.

Check it out... www.greatnorthernsound.com

Mike

classic. in its day it was the consesnus best preamp.Not likely that it could compete with todays preamps. I think you should keep it un-modified. You have got a piece of audiophile history. Mate it with an ARC D79 and say a pair of quad esl 63 and entec subs.

Well it turns out that my amp is actually an SP-6A- I didn't realize that you had to check the back plate to see the exact model. I'm wondering though if I should give up on the Plinius yet,I've read that the PC makes a big difference. I'm using a Top Gun HCFi- it's so big that i can't plug it straight into the wall- maybe I should try another PC?