Audio Research SP16 annoying volume control

I had the brand new SP16l for less than 2 weeks and I sold it at a big loss after ARC sent it back to me and the annoying abrupt level control did not get any better but worse. It is not the mismatch pre/amp issue. It is the flaw of the SP16 design. If your tolerant level is like mine, please do not send it back and wish for a good fix. It won't happen. Live with it or sell it.

so Andrew, are you saying tghat reducing gain is a waste of time and money and it won't help? interesting...

All I can say is the SP16L I owned came back from ARC with some modification and it did not show any improvement. As the matter of fact, it got worse that I ended up selling back to local dealer for much less than what I paid for. The SP16 has been replaced with the SP17 with a better volume control . Also, my speakers at that time were the Paradigm S2 v1 at 88DB at 6 ohm. I have to admitted that I did enjoy the sound of the SP16 / 4 BSST combo but I could not tolerate the hi-end product with designed flaw.

ARC should be held accountable for their silly gain control. This is not a mismatch between an amp and a pre-amp. I can just imagine how much they charge for their "volume taper kit". I'll bet a replacment attenuator is inexpensive and ARC should replace it for free. If they don't, track down an electronics repair shop in your area and have them do it.