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A couple of Audio Research preamp suggestions

Posted by Bambi B (A) on February 12, 2010 at 14:56:54

In Reply to: Bambi, While you're here......... posted by marko445 on February 12, 2010 at 11:43:36:

PHOTO: Main system: Oracle III/SME V / McIntosh MR67 tuner/ Cambridge Audio 640Cv2 CDP > Audio Research SP10 > D115 > Vandersteen 2C

12 February, 2010

marko445,

Yes, you seem to know my views in advance- I would think an SP8 would make a very nice preamp with a 100.2, which I feel is the best solid state amplifier ARC has done. Good SP8's are in the $1300-1500 range which would leave enough for some very nice tubes and good interconnects. I'm having very good results in my Audio Research system with Audioquest King Cobra. As for tubes in the SP8, I like the Siemens triple-mica E83CC for phono and Sylvania triple-mica 5751 for the line stage in the SP8.

If a remote is important then I'd look for a good LS15 with 4-6922's, replace the two gain tubes with Siemens E88CC and then add a PH3SE phono stage. LS15's are going for $1200-1500 these days and a good PH3SE- it's important to get the "SE" with upgraded components- are in the neighbourhood of $1200-1300. A standard PH3 is usually about $700-800. So, that combination should be close to your budget. Actually, PH5's are becoming bit more reasonable- $1400-1600 and you might try for a good deal on one of those. If you notice, the PH series has consistently increased the number of tubes as the models have evolved.

If the budget could be "stretched", I'd suggest an LS5/II at about $2000 and PH5 is excellent and these are becoming reasonable- $1400-1500. The LS5 is among the best line stages- I like it as much as the LS25, though some would find the LS5 a bit softer, it makes up in depth and fantastic imaging. One thing to note is that there are a lot of tubes in an LS5 (either 8 or 10)and they are balanced only. I suppose though jumping from $2500 to $3500 is a big proportion, but my attitude is buy once and keep it forever - much cheaper over time! This combination would be a more substantial upgrade over the SP16 than the LS15.

The LS22 is another possibility- 95% of an LS25- though those are not as commonly seen- really good, and so little known they are often reasonably priced, in the $2000 range and is like an LS5 but with both SE and balanced.

A lot depends on your taste. The 100.2 is wonderfully neutral and I usually enjoy a preamp with more tubes when paired with solid state power amplification.

Let us know what you choose!

Cheers,

Bambi B

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