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McIntosh VS Audio Research?

frommerstop said:
I consider the SP-14 one of the finest sounding preamp available. I'm of the mind that preamps & phono cartidges are the most audible variables of the electronics - nearly as much as speakers, in a good system. Unfortunately, more often than not, it's very hard to make direct comparisons, that's why there are always so many good used components on the market. I have drawers full of phono cartridges, and shelves of preamps that sound "good", but aren't quite what I'm looking for. I haven't listened to the SP-16, but I like Audio Research, and I like most of what they make (at least that I've heard), if I had an SP-14, I wouldn't be looking any further - it's THAT good.
Funny thing about speakers, preamps, and cartridges though, they all have such an influence on a particular system that no one can really say for sure which is going to be "best"...until you try them. It's time consuming, and expensive, but there's no other way.
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Having owned a ARC SP14 I agree it is a fine preamp, although it is a hybrid with just the phono section tube driven. I sold mine and picked up an ARC LS15 Tube Line Stage, and am thrilled with it. I really like ARC gear, and cannot comment on newer Mac gear since all I have owned were vintage pieces.

Regards,
Jim
 
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erniejade said:
I pulled the trigger on the SP16. I should be here sometime next week. I will let you all know how it does!
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I purchased a SP16 about a year ago and it has been a great addition. The volume control however can be a little quirky at the low end. Nice neutral sound and matches well w/my Aerial 6's.:music:
 
So far from what I am hearing I am like but, the unit has a small issue with the left channel. It is being looked at currently. When it comes back from the shop, i will give a full report!!
 
The audio research sp 16 with the right tubes, sounds amazing. Even with the stock EH tubes it was fast, clean, detailed, sharp, with a great sound stage. I have rolled 2 different tubes in it vs the stock EH. Tube 1 RCA 5751 triple black mica. This tube has a lot of bass but the mids and highs were a bit too laid back for my taste on the Legacy focus. If I had a brighter speaker, like the JM Labs 815 that I used to have, this tube would have been my choice but, with the Legacy, it didn't do it for me.

The tube I am digging in it right now is 1959 Tung Sol. They are as fast, as the stock EH tubes but, fuller sounding and a bit stronger in the bass department. I still want to try a triple mica Sylvania 5751 in it to see if it will give me the bass of the rca and the mids and highs of the tung sol.

So far on my rig, the AR sounded better over the McIntosh. Now with that said, in the den where I have the Polk RTI12, the McIntosh sounded better on that over the AR sp16. Again this is where synergy comes into play and just matching things up.

The McIntosh is sold. I do honestly like the looks of the McIntosh over the AR and that will be missed! I am glad I got to hear them both side by side that is for sure.
 
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