Re: Upgrade SP9 to SP9MKIII or buy an SP14

[Randy Fishman]

I owned an SP-14 for about 6 years and enjoyed it very much. It's
great strengths are the ability to tape while listening to another
source, the mono switch and switches for right or left channel
only (great when listening to LP's with ticks or pops in one channel
only). While the line stage is somewhat colored (in comparison to
more neutral Sonic Frontiers gear), it was a nice warm color that
does not detract from the music.
Randy

"jav" > wrote in message >...
> I owned the SP-14 and the SP-6B before that. The SP-14 was noticeably
> superior in its dynamics, frequency extension, noise floor and accuracy. I
> can't speak to the SP-9, however I found the SP-14 a very listenable preamp.
>
> "Paul Sloane" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I curently have an unmodified Audio Research SP9 with new tubes. Recently
> > the volume control has developed a noise and periodically I need to
> "clean"
> > it by rapid rotation of the knob. Audio Research still offers the
> > modifications at the Mark II and Mark III level. The cost of the Mark III
> > mod is essentially identical to the cost of a used SP14 on Audiogon. So,
> do
> > I pay for the modification to the SP9 or should I purchase an SP14? I am
> > asking for opinions to help me make a decision. All opinions will be
> > appreciated.
> >
> > Paul
> >

[Norman Schwartz]

"Paul Sloane" > wrote in message
...
> I curently have an unmodified Audio Research SP9 with new tubes. Recently
> the volume control has developed a noise and periodically I need to
"clean"
> it by rapid rotation of the knob. Audio Research still offers the
> modifications at the Mark II and Mark III level. The cost of the Mark III
> mod is essentially identical to the cost of a used SP14 on Audiogon. So,
do
> I pay for the modification to the SP9 or should I purchase an SP14? I am
> asking for opinions to help me make a decision. All opinions will be
> appreciated.
>

My recommendation is to have someone look at that volume control! If you
have made the acquaintance of a reliable repair station as have I, your set
for life (or his, whichever comes first). The volume control for your SP-9
must be stocked by ARC.
(They recently sent me lamps for a 30+ year old SP-3a-1 which BTW operates
flawlessly, no volume control noises and throwing the switch back and forth
between Right and Left Channels, Stereo, Mono and Reverse does exactly what
it did the day I got it having no hang-ups whatsoever.) Worst case scenario
is that you would have to ship your unit to ARC, or with schematics in hand
take it to your friendly fix-it station. After I got it back to perfect
operating condition, I'd keep it! I'd still would get another great ARC tube
pre-amp (SP-16 ?), if that's what my heart desired. If you buy a preamp from
Audiogon or elsewhere what guarantee do you have that its volume control
will not be more "noisy", or become more noisy than is the one you have
right now? If you visit www.audioresearch.com, you will see their claim that
"Audio Research is America's premier manufacturer of precision hi-fi
equipment, committed to High Definition in sound service and product
support". BTW one can also see that they are offering a Factory Update
Program for the 30 year old SP3 Series Preamplifiers (for $795) so obviously
I'm not alone in being a satisfied SP-3 user!

[Mkuller]

>"Paul Sloane"
wrote:>
>I curently have an unmodified Audio Research SP9 with new tubes. Recently
>the volume control has developed a noise and periodically I need to "clean"
>it by rapid rotation of the knob.

I had the same volume control problem with a different preamp. The tech
advisor for the manufacturer suggested I get a can of spray lubricant for it at
Radio Shack. I pulled the top off the preamp sprayed into the back of the
volume pot and it has worked like new since.

But that doesn't answer your question, does it? My experience with ARC gear
over many years is that the newer, more expensive preamps are usually worth the
extra money and sound better if you can afford them - and they hold their value
better than the older, upgraded stuff on the used market.
Regards,
Mike

[BITCASTER1]

I've owned an original 9, an upgraded 9 and now (for 3 years) use an SP 14. Of
the three units the 14 (if only for the "bypass" switch) is the best. BUT: none
of the three sound as sweet as my earlier SP-8! The hybrids have better
imaging, better definition, and are quieter, yes - but they're not as musical
as that old "8".
Good luck.