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Best ARC tube amps for classical music?

I have thought of using an old ARC tube amp together with my Sonab OA 116 loudspeakers, and I am listening to classical music via a Thorens 126 gramophone.

I see there are many models of the old ones, and I wonder which of them be best suited for my loudspeakers and choice of music genre.

I am particularly occupied with the timbral sound of the musical instruments.

I have already been recommended a D-79, but this one is probably not so easy to get? Hopefully, there would also be some other models that woud do?

Best regards,
Axtl
axtl
idb
3 posts
 
I have a pair of M100s. They are the absolute best. Get them if you can find a pair. Make sure to get new PS caps (There are many many of them), or the amp will not be at its best.
axtl OP
7 posts
 
Thanks a lot for the recommendations.
By the way, today I was offered a SP 10. So I am wondering if I should go for this one. Working ok though the electrolytic capacitors are unchanged.
Regards,
axtl
pryso
1,927 posts
 
Axtl, I've heard but never owned a SP-10. They can sound wonderful. Many feel it is one of the best preamps ever made for a phono based system.

Here are some considerations:
* can be expensive to purchase due to reputation,
* two box system w/ separate power supply (may offer better [quieter] performance but requires twice as much shelf space,
* runs hotter than most preamps,
* many tubes so expensive to replace,
* like any component of this vintage, will require some restoration (electrolytics at a minimum), and
* if vinyl playback will not be a majority of your listening you may find several alternatives for less money.

Good luck.
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