2. amps-preamps
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Tubes for Audio Research SP16L

I have an Audio Research SP16L preamp I purchased new about a year ago. Since this is my first tube preamp, I am curious about tube replacement. Specifically, will the tubes degrade the audio quality prior to burning out? If so, is such degradation noticeable?

Thank you for your help.
kitjv
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Call Dave Gordon at AR, he's VERY knowledgeable and helpful--moreover a GREAT guy!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,179 posts
 
Kitjv,

Your lucky with only 3 tubes.

I recently got the Sp 16, with 3 more for the phono stage (6 total).

Love the sound to death but I think I have reached my tolerance in regards of # of tubes I care to deal with in my system.

I'll be picking up a spare set at some point I imagine for comparison should I suspect a problem as Newbee suggests.

My tube DAC (1 tube) came with an extra alternate tube that greatly changed the sound in some positive ways, so tube rolling doesn't necessarily scare me, but at present I see no reason to change what came with the ARC.

Still, if anybody has some good info on alternate tubes for the ARC and how they sound different than the stock tubes, I'm all ears.
kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Thank you, all, for the good info.
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