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 et...
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