"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!