|
Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
I suspect the old style screen is not available anymore or cost even more than new touch screen to make.
If they just make new touch screen to have deeper black and glossy. ok, I want it to have iPod style screen. And that will make it Look more like original classic green screen if programmed that way. Toga |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
The SP20 takes styling cues from ARC's first block buster preamp which put it on the hi-end audio map: the SP-3:
Of course the touch screen contradicts the old-school styling cues, so I agree the combo does not do it for me either aesthetically speaking. When TAS did a survey of the most significant preamps (and amps) of all time, the SP-3 came in #1 position for preamps beating the Marantz Model 7 and Dynaco PAS-3 (starts on page 14 of the attached link). After that you will see what TAS writers voted as the most significant amps of all time. TAS Survey: http://media.avguide.com/BG_Audio_Electronics_2012.pdf Last edited by cmalak; 01-20-2014 at 08:13 PM. |
#13
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
RWA Bellina pro dac - Bel Canto CD3t - ARC REF3 - ARC DS450M - Magnepan 20.7 |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
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. |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
Ugh.
__________________
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. |
#16
|
||||
|
||||
Lazy dial and greasy fingerprints on my touchscreen at 9k, can't do it.
__________________
Unison Research Sinfonia Anniversary. McIntosh D100 > Bluesound Node2i > Tidal. Clearaudio Performance DC. Gold Note PH-10, Gold Note PSU-10. Isol-8 InLine. Shunyata Research Hydra Delta D6. Wireworld. Acoustic Zen. Audioquest. Klipsch Cornwall III. Greg |
#17
|
||||
|
||||
I think it looks good, but I would take it as black (I think black is coming later). I kind of miss handles though.
__________________
RWA Bellina pro dac - Bel Canto CD3t - ARC REF3 - ARC DS450M - Magnepan 20.7 |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
I wipe my Ipad down daily because of fingerprints. No way on a 9 thousand preamp!!
|
#19
|
||||
|
||||
It looks like a kit preamp to me.
__________________
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 |
#20
|
||||
|
||||
I think it would look better in all black or two tone scheme a la traditional ARC, with black surround on the squares surrounding the volume and control knobs and around the rectangle around the touch screen. I also don't like that they have gone fully touch screen. I liked the old school buttons for various controls. Rings more true to ARC's retro look and feel.
Having said that, all this is secondary to SQ. If the line stage matches at least an LS-27, and the phono equals the PH-8, plus you get a good sounding headphone amp for $9K, then you are getting a lot for your money (when you compare it to the stand-alone prices of the LS-27, the PH-8, and an extra decent headphone, call it $1K). All-in, the stand-alone prices of those three units would get you in the $15K range, so pretty good. Not to mention 2 less interconnects and 2 less components taking up limited space on a rack. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |