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Audio Research SP16 annoying volume control

I have recently added a Audio Research SP16, the most annoying thing is the volume control.
The volume steps are not well calibrated and is either too quiet or too loud, there's not subtle ajustments, the volume just jumps to loud.
I have heard great things about Audio Research but I never expected this sort of design flaw on such an expensive piece of equipment. I am not happy at all.
Any other SP16 owners have this problem?
kingmonkey88
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 
so Andrew, are you saying tghat reducing gain is a waste of time and money and it won't help? interesting...
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
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.
jpaik
42 posts
 
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.
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