ARC Preamp for Dynaco ST-70 - Suggestions?

pB_audio, you would be welcome to listen to my sp6b I live in the Philidelphia area. The mods to later models are listed on that wedsite I posted. You can sometimes see the differences in the photographs of the different ones by zooming in. I never heard the first 6 only the b which I own. I heard an SP3 which was factory refreshed by ARC and it was very nice. It was not in my system though. I would have bought it but it was a little out of my price range. The Fisher cx looks interesting. Never heard one but had a 400 for a few years and sold before I knew it was sought after classic. Nice sounding unit.
Jim
 
Guess what, Jim...
I'm in the Harrisburg area myself. If it comes down to a very difficult decision I'll have to take you up on your kind offer.
I'd love to check out your system, as well,... very different from my all solid state system.
I spend most of my AK time on the Marantz forum; but the tube gear keeps calling to me.
Better tie me to the mast... the sirens are irresistible.
 
junkaudio said:
the phono stage on the sp3 is amazing:thmbsp:
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Since I moved, over 20 years ago, I haven't even set up a turntable.
I even sold my Linn Sondek LP-12... mistake. I do have a lot of LPs, all boxed for the next move. Ha, Ha...
That's why the LS7 sounds like a possible choice... or the SP-6b, or SP-8, or SP-3a1... I'm so confused...:D
 
PB_Audio said:
Guess what, Jim...
I'm in the Harrisburg area myself. If it comes down to a very difficult decision I'll have to take you up on your kind offer.
I'd love to check out your system, as well,... very different from my all solid state system.
I spend most of my AK time on the Marantz forum; but the tube gear keeps calling to me.
Better tie me to the mast... the sirens are irresistible.
Click to expand...

If you're going to be in the area pm me and we can set something up sometime. I like Marantz too. Have a 16b and 33 ss setup in the basement. Very nice sounding gear for 40 years old and never touch with a solder iron....knock on wood. Have fun on your search.
Jim
 
slimpikkins said:
If you're going to be in the area pm me and we can set something up sometime. I like Marantz too. Have a 16b and 33 ss setup in the basement. Very nice sounding gear for 40 years old and never touch with a solder iron....knock on wood. Have fun on your search.
Jim
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Excellent choices in Marantz solid state.
I have the Model 19 receiver... same amp as the 16B, and your Model 33 is similar to my 7T.
I'll be in touch...
Thanks again,
Jay:thmbsp:
 
bktheking said:
Pas2/3?
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BK... ran across your ST-70 build thread... Impressive doesn't cover it!
I've also been reading more on the ST-70, and the PAS2/3/3X.
Looks like an understandable package, perfect for someone looking to get their feet wet in tube gear. Seems to be a great platform for a variety of MODS as well , and you know, I love a good MOD!
I think I'll start here, with the PAS3X... then, if I can't get the preamp to cooperate, I'll move on to greener pastures. Maybe build Marantz 7, but without the phono preamp circuit or tone controls. I know that's been done, but it's still new to me. That's the end result I'm looking for.
After all that, who knows what preamp number ARC will be up to... SP-42 or higher... no doubt. I'll let them fine tune their design a little longer. Perfection should be just around the corner. By then I'll know just which one to buy.:thmbsp:
 
I would very seriously consider Tubes4hifi's SP14 or SP12. I own the 12 with the PH-12 phono board. It's a versital and very affordable pre in fully assembled form and even more so as a kit. Will dust even well modded PAS.
 
See... I love that kind of help, seriously. A good solid choice.
For me, personally, now that I've seen the vast array of ARC preamps to choose from, it only serves to demonstrate how my lack of knowledge is going to get me into trouble.
I know a little of the history of ARC, and that they started out modifying Dynaco, probably the ST-70 and PAS2 primarily, if I had to guess. Given ARC's reputation over the years, I have to believe the SP-14 and SP-12 would easily best the PAS2/3/3X, right? But then, would I be willing to roll up my sleeves and learn something in the process of a good mod or two. Probably not on either the SP-14 or SP-12. I'd likely be doing more harm than good...
My plan (at least for today)... learn first on the Classic Dynaco designs, so that when it comes time to make a final purchase from ARC, I'll have a clue what I choosing and why. Besides ARC, themselves, aren't through improving on the old family recite quite yet, right?
So, while I may go for an ARC SP-6 in the short run (one has become available, and it was already on my original 'short list'),
I'd like to learn as much as you all care to share on the 'pros and cons' of the various Audio Research Preamp models. There are so many, a collection of opinions could be a useful addition to those considering a future ARC purchase. I know it would be helpful to me. I will own an ARC preamp one day, for sure.
Thanks all ,for helping me get my feet wet once again.:D
 
Just to add a bit of closure... this has been on my mind for months now...
I've decised on a PAS3 and an ARC LS-15 Line Stage (ie, preamp without the phono circuit) to go with my ST-70.
I haven't played vinyl for over 20 years. I might even sell all my LPs. Already sold my favorite turn table, a Linn Sondek LP-12.
So... the ARC LS-15 seems to make good sense to me. From all I read, the LS-15 is the right preamp, and among ARC's best sounding designs. see LINK:
http://www.arcdb.ws/LS15/LS15.html

Thanks for the info.
Jay:music:
 
bktheking said:
Pas3 , good choice, are you doing a revamp on it?
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Eventually. While I've already found the ST-30, I'm still shopping for the PAS3 and LS-15. I'm going to want to get a good sence of the stock sound before I first recap, and then consider any mods. I guess it's a given that I'll want to mod the PAS3, if not the St-70.
From what I've read, the VA mod kit is probably the best start; so I'll try to refine that to see how good the PAS3 can sound, and whether it can approach the sonic qualities of the ARC LS-15. I'm not holding out high hopes for that, but we'll see. I don't forsee starting this project until perhaps next winter, though; and, I suspect that the ST-70 will need recapped before I can fully appreciate the qualities of the PAS3. I see a long work in progress.
Meanwhile, I have a couple tuners to contend with.:D
 
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