2. amps-preamps
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ARC SP16 vs SP8

hay ive got an sp16 preamp to go with my vs110 amp. I was wondering if an sp8 would be an upgrade in both linstage and phono stage? have you heard both? How would you describe the 8. I find the 16 to be neutral but im not crazy about it's stereo imaging, almost to mono feeling for me. could maby upgrading my sumiko bluepoint 2 on my pro ject 2 xperience do the trick?
barruch86
nick_sr
263 posts
 
I have an SP16 in my system and I can assure you that imaging is not an issue. I have not heard the SP8 so I can't say whether it would be an upgrade.

I can say that one the biggest upgrades I made was the purchase of my Benz glider. Again I can't say whether there would be biggest difference between it and your sumiko.

One final point, a big determinant of imaging is your room and equipment placement. If I were you I would start there. I hope this helps...
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zd542
5,339 posts
 
What's the rest of your system? Just about any piece in an audio system can mess up imaging. I've never cared for the SP-16, myself, but I wouldn't necessarily say that its the cause of your problem.

As far as your analog setup goes, I don't think thats your problem. Even with modest equipment, records image very well. When people either get back into analog or try it new, for the 1st time, their first remark is almost on always how good the imaging is.
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