Audio Research or McIntosh Preamp s

[sirianni]

I am looking for a good Tube Preamp to match up with the equipment listed below. I will continue to use the two Spec Amps to power my DQ-10’s; I am leaning towards Audio Research or McIntosh Preamp s, used of coarse $1500 - $2000 when I bought the 10’s years ago, the guy I bought them from was using all Audio Research equipment . Any recommendations or thoughts would be welcome. I mostly listen to Blues, Jazz and 70’s Rock.

 

[dumptruck]

I'm not qualified to make recommendations in that price range, but this setup is going to be killer - right along my preferences. Are you not running a sub?

 

[Rex Everything]

I like and suggest the Juicy Music Blueberry Extreme.

 

[sirianni]

yes Dahlquist Dq-1W Sub

 

[Brian]

While I am a Mc lover, my vote for you is the ARC SP-3A1 with a good going over.

 

[Isotonic]

Audio Research SP-8

 

[vendo81]

I had an ARC LS-15 in my SS system for years and really loved it..

 

[goldear]

ARC SP-8. If you feel the need for tone controls, then The SP-3A isn't bad, but its definitely not an SP-8.

 

[sirianni]

SP-9MKIII or SP-9

ARC SP-8. If you feel the need for tone controls, then The SP-3A isn't bad, but its definitely not an SP-8.

I have found these two available which one do you think is better? I know that the MKIII is an update of the SP-9 but is it better?

 

[Brian]

Each has a slightly different sound so probably the best advice I can give is to listen to each in your system and you call the shot. I prefer the SP3 series as I am partial to the Marantz 7 sound that the SP3 is the closer to than the SP8 that to me is too thin.

 

[ehoove]

I have found these two available which one do you think is better? I know that the MKIII is an update of the SP-9 but is it better?

I have read several shootouts that claimed the Later Versions are the better sounding ones. But with which tubes etc etc .......... Hopefully someone with first hand ARC SP9 experience will chime in.:scratch2:
Regards,
Jim