The Ayre is an excellent suggestion.
Preamp for audio research ref110
Hi, just purchased an arc ref110. My current preamp is an arc sp9 mkii. Unfortunately it doesn't have balanced outputs (why do they sell them like that? given that most of their amps need balanced). I am looking for a short term and long term solution. For the short term I would like to at least test the amp with a minimum of investment (as I need to wait until the purse reloads). So my questions are: is there anyway to use what I have for a while? And what would be a good longer term solution hopefully under 3k. And by the way I use records so I need a phono solution. Thank you all in advance.
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- 18 posts total
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-ref-5-preamp-black-2016-07-18-preamplifiers-94... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-reference-3-preamplifier-2016-07-26-preamplifi... I have a Ref-5 and previously used it with a Ref-110. I now have a Ref-150, because I needed more power for power hungry speakers, but either way, the 2 are magical. I know it's more than you want to spend, but you can find good deals on pre-owned ones. |
Having been in this hobby for years and having owned the same preamp, I am with the others that have recommended selling the SP9 MKII. I went from that pre to a SP14, to a LS25 MKII, to now a Ref 5SE. Each preamp changed has added more to my musical enjoyment. Once you switch over balanced you will be smiling constantly. |
As a possible alternative, I recommend my Modwright 36.5. I found it to be a little better than the ARC Ref 3 I compared it with and a good bit cheaper. Modwright kit is in general, excellent value. I find ARc Power amps more to my taste , than the Pre's. The combination of the Modwright and ARC Ref 75SE, is perfect for me. |
- 18 posts total