2. amps-preamps
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ARC preamp line up

Just getting into ARC preamps and while i was hesitant to jump on an SP5, I have to admit I am thrilled about the soundstage and detail. I thought I was going to have issues with it being too analytical or bright but turns out I really like the sound...to boot it has a phono for my LP12.

I also know that the Sp5 seems to have little or no praise and is probably one of the cheaper models, but having said that, it sounds so good to me.

So my question is, what is the next step up from this model in terms of solid state and if I go to the earlier models (read below $1K) with/without the single 6922 tube do I lose anything that I like with my SP5? From my research I guess i should only be looking at the SP series for phono or do some of the LS models come with phono?

thx for your input
vinylb
electroslacker
375 posts
 
I had an LS3, but didn't compare it to other AR preamps. I did compare it to a Conrad Johnson (11?) and a Audible Illusions 3a and thought the CJ was too unfocused (bloomy) and the Audible Illusions 3a pumped dynamics beyond real. I chose the LS3, and would call it "clean" and solid. It replaced a Mark Levinson LS26, which I thought was dull and uninvolving. But it seems like the LS5 was the hot AR pre at the time...just never heard the LS5. My LS3 was going into a Classe CA300, to ML Quests. I liked the combo.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
The SP-14 is a great preamp and an absolute bargain used. I have seen SP-14 preamps advertised for $1,000 on a regular basis. Caution! Do not buy a modified Audio Research preamp. I have not heard one yet that sounds as good as a properly working stock unit.

To find the Audio Research data base simply google arcdb.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Although th OP did ask for SS LS, it becamw readiky apparent the he really could not buy pure SS and wanted a Phono. It therefore surprises me that No one until me mentions the SP-6 series which are legendary. (I own a modded SP-6B of course,) but in truth never loved it. To the OP question the next incremental step up is obviously the almost SS SP-9, which was mentioned, but is a heckavalot closer than the 2 chasis "reference style" SP-11. If I were hom I would look around for other SS options that have a less severe style and richer overall sound or just man up and go tube. Lomg live the 6SN7!
djcxxx
105 posts
 
i suggested the SP6 in my first reply.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
Vinylb

For example, the ARC SP17 has a line stage input impedance of 60K, which would not be a great match with your solid state amp with an input impedance of only 47K.

Krell, for example, builds many of their amps with tubed pre-amps in mind - such as their 402e with a single ended input impedance of 100k and 200k for balanced.

I think the ARC Sp5 is a solid state...?

Anyway, be sure to consider this important factor...

_Ben
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