Audio research

I auditioned the SP9 Mk 2 and found it wanting. Ended up buying an SP14 that was far better.  I'd pass on the SP9 - you can do better.

The SP14 phono stage used exactly one tube, so no issues with trying to find tubes going south, and it sounded good enough that it lived in my main system for a decade before being replaced.

Also, consider a separate phono stage. 

Used to own the SP-9.  Read the Stereophile reviews.  It never lived up to its hype.  ARC  modded it two times. There are SP-9 Mk IIIs floating around out there somewhere

I moved up the ARC line up and landed at the Ref 3, a very good linestage.  I'm currently holding at the Ref 6.

You might want to look around for a used SP-20, which basically has the innards of a Ref 5/LS27 and a PH-8.  Check the reviews.  

In short, I would be circumspect about dropping a grand on the SP-9.

Dropping a grand on a SP9, but tell the op to blow at least $6000. on a SP20? I guess money grows on trees. I always enjoyfolks saying Go spend XXX MORE!.The two preamps the op in trading cost about the same, made about the same time. (actually the LS3 a few years later, no big deal.)I would say go for it if you want the phono section.One thing you might see if it would fly. Say yes to trade but only if in case you change your mind you have 30 days to TRADE BACK.Maybe have to throw in $50 to trade back? so it has some vigorish for the other party to not be annoyed.

This is what you need.

http://tubes4hifi.com/pre11.htm#PH16

Thank you Elizabeth obviously you understood my question.I know there is no contest between a reference audio research and a sp9,just wanted to get some input on the two units, its just going to be a trade between a couple of old audiophile buddies ,I,m not spending a cent or will I take a lost at all.He will just take it back if its not to my liking and sell to someone else with one phone call.I am sure it will sound fine I have great speaker cables  power cords interconnect vintage 6922 tubes to try out to hear what works best.I do have a question about the faceplate it looks like a newer one compared to the 1st couples of years.The faceplate looks just like my ls3 accept with the added phono .Would you know which year that unit might have been made,it really does look like brand new mint out of the box.Thanks MAXWELL