The ARC SP8 is an all tube preamp (8 tubes total). The SP9 and SP14 were hybrids (2 tubes for SP9, 1 for SP14).
I have owned all of these and really preferred the SP9 and SP14 to the SP8.
IMHO, the SP9MKII or SP9MKIII are excellent choices. Tube rolling is also very inexpensive and easy with these preamps.
I have owned all of these and really preferred the SP9 and SP14 to the SP8.
IMHO, the SP9MKII or SP9MKIII are excellent choices. Tube rolling is also very inexpensive and easy with these preamps.