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Re: HELP please: ARC rebuild advice

Greetings
IMO the ARC Classic 30 does not have enough power to drive a low-efficiency mini-monitor. Also, its input and driver circuits sound quite cold and lean to my ears.
A rebuild would mean LOT of work and would not guarantee more than 30 W per channel, assuming that the output transformers were designed specifically for this amplifier.
Unfortunately the SP9 also tends to sound lean and brightish, specially with russian tubes.
Regarding the Prima Luna, it is a nice sounding 1 K buck amplifier, but do not expect it to beat your ARC gear.
It seems to me that the most economical way to improve your system is to buy a used high-quality integrated amplifier: VAC Avatar, Plinius, Musical Fidelity will sound smoother/warmer and much more powerful than your rig.
DIY is a nice way out, but most kits are troublesome for a beginner.
I suggest that you start with a line stage, which is not too risky. DIY Phono stages are strictly for experienced builders.
You may also want to make a power amp. Your speakers demand a 6550 or KT-88 push-pull amp with at least 60W per channel.
I like this one: http://www.diyhifisupply.com/diyhs_ella.htm
Also, AES makes some outstanding kits in the USA, including a winner 6SN7 line stage and 6550 amps.
Recommended books: Bruce Rozenblit: Beginner's guide to tube audio; Morgan Jones: Valve amplifiers; RCA receiving tube manual.
Some you will find at Amazon, some at Audioxpress.com.
I hope this helps
Carlos


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