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Audio Research SP-6B

kennyno

kennyno

New Member
Thinking about a Audio Research SP-6B pre amp ($1050) that is for sale on BT to use with Mcintosh 240.
Any information or thoughts about this amp would be very much appreciated.
I would like to use a Mcintosh pre amp but cant find the right amp at a price I can afford right now. I'm using earphone
out from my Mcintosh MA230 now and although it sounds great I know a preamp is the way to go.
 
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http://www.arcdb.ws/SP6/SP6.html


500 ohms at 1kHz, rising to 2.1 kOhms at 20Hz, all outputs. Recommended minimum load for maximum audio quality, 20 kOhms. SP6-B: Less than 500 ohms main output, 1000 ohms tape output. Recommended minimum load for maximum audio quality, 50 kOhms and 250 pF maximum capacitance.

Output impedance seems high. Maybe someone could check if that's the case.
 
I use a VTA SP9 tube preamp with my MC40's and it's awesome. A tubed Mac preamp is way out of my budget.

BillWojo
 
With my own MC-240's I have used an Audio Research SP3A-1 (basically the forerunner of the SP6,but with tone controls:)) with no problems whatsoever.
As the input impedance of the MC-240 is 250k,virtually any tube-type preamp should work properly.

I have also used,with great success, a Mcintosh C20,Dynaco PAS3, Conrad Johnson PV5,and a Nikko Beta II. Although each sounded different,they all were very listenable.
 
Why not a decent McIntosh MX 113 tuner preamplifier as a budget option, that in decent condition could be had around $1k. Many got used with MC 240 and MC 275 in the era. Also, you could find a C26 or C28 for decent money.
 
I've used several ARC preamps, LS9 MKII, LS16, LS25, and LS25 MKII, with Mac amps. Never any issue or complaints and always sounded great. Personally, I believe in matching the pramap and amp brands to obtain the best synergy.
 
I had an SP6b and regret selling it. It was very nice, great phono section. If you use as a line stage for cds there's almost too much gain, only could use a few clicks of the volume knob and that is on very inefficient speakers. I think the SP8 is better in every way but a few $$ more, and as a line stage my LS7 is better. ARC gear is like buying Mac as it is very well built, supported by the company and holds its value. (They support every piece of gear they ever made)
 
My primary preamp is an SP-6B, I use it with MC2505 or a pair of MC30s, and the synergy is great. Love its transparency and killer phono stage.
 
Will the 6B phono section support low output moving coil cartridges. I have a Van Den Hul MC1000 with only .3mv output. I’m looking at the 6B, Sp9 MkII and the SP14 as possible preamp nominees for my system. Which do you folks think is the best choice. I’m primarily using a phono for my main listening source. Thanks, Randy
 
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I used a 6C for many years. It has a pretty standard 60 db of total gain which is not appropriate for LOMC cartridges. You would need a SUT. The SP-14, like the SP-9 is somewhat better at 66 db, but works better with mid output (1 mV) models. An SP-9 MKIII followed the 6C using a Shinon Red mid output cartridge.
 
Thanks for your input. I currently have a Counterpoint SA1000, but always wanted an Audio Research. I’m researching my options. Thanks again. Randy
Ps, a Shinnon Red was my first high end cartridge. Nice piece!!!
 
Yes older Mac and Marantz model 7 pre-amps are totally beyond reach in some cases. Even the C 2200 is starting to gain in value, too. If I wanted to return to tubes I would select the latest version of the C-22 for its flexibility. I don't need a remote or all the modern conveniences. The C-70 is just ugly.
 
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