audio research

I have also owned the Sp-9 mk1 and mk2 and hated both units( went to SP-11 )..Much too thin and bleached out..I have owned many Audio Research pieces and the SP-9 (mk1 and 2 ) was by far the worst of there products I have ever owned...Spend the extra $$ and get a SP-11..You'll be a much happier person once you do...........

i want to thank everyone for input, i will now decide what to do

My experience is simillar to Thorman`s, I owned the SP-9MK2 for about 15 months(durning the mid 1990s). I found it to be rather thin. flat and electronic in character, I replaced it with a Quicksilver full function(all tube) preamp and it was a much better preamp, more dynamic,vivid,better tone,harmonics and more natural sound. I`d consider something else in the AR line.

Any version in the SP6 and SP8 family.

I would avoid hybrids. They just don't sound right to me.

Paul, I just noticed that you want to stay within the ARC line for your preamp.
The SP10 was the preamp that was available at the time of the D70's. I think this is a great preamp if you can find one today. It is hard on tubes BUT has an excellent phono section and IMO is superior to the SP11, 9 or 8.
Like it almost as much as my CAT..:0)