Is Audio Research SP-6 considered a good model?


I'm trying to decide on how to replace my Plinius 9200 with separates. I have a 70's era SP-6 and I'm wondering if it's worth servicing and keeping, or are there other tube pre amps (Audio Research or otherwise) worth looking for used (1-2K range). Also have a AR D52B that I will definitely be replacing.

Totem Forest speakers
Rega P3
Exposure 2010S CD
leftyfox
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?
I use to own a SP-6A, SP-6B.ARC had other mods done on them with ARC SP-6C, 6E, i BELEIVE AS WELL.I had heard that a rare SP-6F was made which is actually a SP-8 in a SP-6 outer shell. The amps of the day that worked well with the SP-6 were the ARC D90B. I used a Hafler DH 200
Solid State Amp when I had the arc preamp, and a Ram Labs Head AMP for additional gain in the phono stage and all had it hooked up to Acoustat ELS SPEAKERS.Boy does that bring back memories.