GuyK
Addicted Member
I can vouch for the SP-11. One of the best afternoons I've ever spent listening was through an SP-11. It was superb.
Fans of Audio Research Corporation?
- Thread starter MisterDK
- Start date
I can vouch for the SP-11. One of the best afternoons I've ever spent listening was through an SP-11. It was superb.
I have a PH3 phono preamp. I like the way it sounds with my Grado Statement Sonata 2. It's the " truest" sounding phono stage I've ever owned.
I also have a LS7 line stage. Minimal features but very clear and pleasant sounding.
Both are very quiet.
I think good tubes make all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, the better 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes aren't cheap. But I think they're worth every penny.
I'm a happy customer.
I also have a LS7 line stage. Minimal features but very clear and pleasant sounding.
Both are very quiet.
I think good tubes make all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, the better 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes aren't cheap. But I think they're worth every penny.
I'm a happy customer.
I just put an SP11 in my system (along with Forte Model 7 Class A amps) they really produce a wonderful sound and the best soundstage I have ever heard. The impedance selector allows the use of low output cartridges.
The SP11 has a separate power supply which is pretty cool - it’s a hybrid and uses 6 6DJ8 tubes.
The SP11 has a separate power supply which is pretty cool - it’s a hybrid and uses 6 6DJ8 tubes.
bimasta
Addicted Member
Another BIG vote for the SP-6. Every area of its performance was exceptional, and its phono stage magnificent — I could not find fault with it. It was my "perfect" preamp.I just recently purchased my third (yes, I have 3) SP-6. As you can probably tell--I like them
One big thing to watch for with ARC gear are the various "iterations" within a given model. IIRC, there are 4 different iterations of the SP-6--Mark I, II, III, IV. Certain iterations within a given model run are more desireable than others for various reasons.
I believe many of the "iterations" that followed were little more switching the brand of tube, and not substantial changes — many owners do their own "tube rolling" anyway. But if there were more serious changes in the B-C-etc, it just shows how great the initial design was.
I owned an SP-8 too, but didn't like it as much — there's a chance that individual SP-8 wasn't 100%. But a friend had an SP-8 and I didn't fancy his very much either.
I had the SP-9 for "home trial" for a couple weeks, when it came out, and didn't buy it — it wasn't even close to the 6. The dealer really wanted me to like it, and gave me each "reiteration" as they arrived, but I found them all Blah.
I also tried the "competition" at the time (CJ, Counterpoint, Melos) but they didn't tempt me away.
Since cost is a factor, I recommend the SP-6 wholeheartedly. It's all-tube, but not an "old fashioned tubey" sound. Clarity, detail, "space" and all those good things were exceptional, and it had a fullness that gave Music more "meaning" — emotional, spiritual, visceral. I noticed it most on Classical but truly on all genres. If you're a music-lover, not a gear-head, and unless you're a believer that every new model must be better, I doubt you'll find better bliss for the buck. I see them for less than $1K all the time.
You can't even buy "good" wire for $1K today!
a_retent
In memory of Trixie woo-woo
Audio Research Corporation fan? Maybe just a little
SP-3A-1,D-76A,D-70 MKII,VS110....
I'm glad you like your Minnesota made equipment. I sure like my Canadian made Napoleon grill, what an AWESOME piece of hardware!
a_retent
In memory of Trixie woo-woo
Gas......or charcoal?
Capable of both.
arts
Addicted Member
Nice to have both options.There is a dealer really close by,and the amount of drooling going on in there (even without any food cooking!) is quite comical.Both companies really do make a heck of a good product.
Although I have never been tempted to throw a steak on it,after a couple of hours my VS110 probably pushes similar btu's...
Although I have never been tempted to throw a steak on it,after a couple of hours my VS110 probably pushes similar btu's...
a_retent
In memory of Trixie woo-woo
Now that's some funny sh...tuff.
I splurged and got the Prestige Pro 500 with a whole bunch of goodies, I'm tired of buying a new grill every couple years. Maybe thats why I went with ARC equipment.
BTW. I see an AK member here has a pair of vm220s, with a set of low hours kt120s, up for sale in bartertown.
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Have you all seen what this guy has done with his SP-6? He's quite creative and he certainly agrees with the consensus here on the model. I only wish I had a fraction of his expertise. He's taken the device a fair distance from stock but he's fairly persuasive (to me, anyway) on the whys and wherefores. He's also a good writer.
http://kevin.kevino.org/tubes/sp6.shtml
a_retent
In memory of Trixie woo-woo
That was a good read, thanks.
930turbo
Active Member
Hi ,
I’ve been a big fan ever since the mid eighties until now . Started w/ the SP6E , a pair of D79B’s , the EC 21 tube crossover net work , SP10 MK 2 , D250 MK 2 Servo , Classic 150 monoblocks , SP11 MK2 , REF 5SE Linestage, REF Phono 2SE , REF 610T Monoblocks
Have not tried any other electronics . Have visited the factory in 2007 . Even my sister is also an ARC Fan SP11 MK2 , D250 MK2 , REF6 Linestage, REF 3 Phono , REF 150 .
930
I’ve been a big fan ever since the mid eighties until now . Started w/ the SP6E , a pair of D79B’s , the EC 21 tube crossover net work , SP10 MK 2 , D250 MK 2 Servo , Classic 150 monoblocks , SP11 MK2 , REF 5SE Linestage, REF Phono 2SE , REF 610T Monoblocks
Have not tried any other electronics . Have visited the factory in 2007 . Even my sister is also an ARC Fan SP11 MK2 , D250 MK2 , REF6 Linestage, REF 3 Phono , REF 150 .
930
