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Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction |
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Audio Research's New Stereo Preamplifier
Audio Research's new SP20 tube stereo preamplifier ($9000) combines a full-function linestage and phono stage, and includes a hi-resolution tube-driven headphone output, touchscreen control, remote control, and both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. The front panel echoes the Minnesotan company's fabled SP3 preamps from the 1970s. Listening to the company's first preamp in 20 years to include both a linestage and phonostage via Sonus faber Olympica III loudspeakers, I heard both the classic Audio Research midrange and a fast response that served bebop extremely well. Bob Reina is working on an SP20 review for Stereophile.
Audio Research's New Stereo Preamplifier | Stereophile.com |
#2
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I borrowed one for a week. Didn't like the front display and controls - it is extremely frustrating. When you turn the selector knob, you can feel detents behind it, but nothing happens until you go past like 10 clicks, and then the display is sluggish.
Great sound, poor user experience. |
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Touch screen?? No way!! Trying to be too fancy. |
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RWA Bellina pro dac - Bel Canto CD3t - ARC REF3 - ARC DS450M - Magnepan 20.7 |
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Not directly. Demo'd them different weeks. I don't think it's on the same level, but it does cost less and include headphone an phono features. It's a good sounding unit, but anyone considering one should play with its interface first. I personally found it unacceptable.
Arc doesn't make anything that doesn't sound good, I have their cheapest product, the LP1, and it's a fine sounding phono pre. |
#7
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JBT.......Sorry, but I can't get past that homely face. No way would I place that in any of my racks. Audio Research makes some fabulous gear but this component is a complete turn off for me.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#8
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Dan, I have an ARC system in the game room and it is great!!! But this is a step too far IMO!!
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Ugh.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
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McIntosh Labs Last edited by JWJW; 09-18-2014 at 11:05 PM. |
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