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What is the best used ARC Pre-Amp to get?

With all the choices in ARC Pre-Amps I need to know which have these capabilities,are rated the Best and what the Blue Book is for them used?If you know of a different Brand that has the same capabilities then pass it along.

Phono Stage
Single Ended
Processor Loop-(If possible)
Remote Control-(If Possible)
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Looking at what to get in an ARC Pre-Amp.I would like to becapable of having my Lexicon CP-3+ SS Processor outside the Loop when using the system for Stereo only playback!Need a Phono Stage also.How would you go about it?

The newer ARC Pre's have a Processor Loop along with Remote's.Would like to either get an all tubes Pre-Amp or Hybrid with a remote capability.

Line-Levels are out because I do not want to go through getting a outboard Phono stage.

This newer model looks like it has the features I need ,but I would like to get a used model.
http://www.audioresearch.com/SP16.html

Thanx!
nearsota
dacostab
84 posts
 
I'm quite happy with my SP9 Mk II. YOu can get a MK III for under $1000 on Audiogon. Use NOS 7308's instead of DJ8's.

The unit is a single-ended hybrid, with tape loops which can be used for processors, but no remote.

You will probably get negative responses to this post as the unit has been maligned by some people on Audiogon.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I don't remember any Audio Research Preamp that has both a phono stage and remote. Maybe one of the more knowledgeable AR guys will correct me. That said, if you want phono but no remote and you have deep pockets SP-10 series which runs around $2000.00 used. Don't have deep pockets, I would skip the SP-11 and go straight to the SP-14, maybe half that price used. With remote, but no phono, the choices are much wider. Shoot me, I still like the LS-22. Good luck in the hunt and don't listen to what anyone tells you, especially me. Use your own ears. Best of luck.
nearsota OP
46 posts
 
The best setup I have ever heard used with my particular speaker's was a Audio Research Pre-Amp used with a ML Amp.I really do not care what other's might think of ARC's.There are probably better Pre-Amps ,but for the $$ I have to wonder.

I forgot about using the Tape Loop for the SS Processor,but I want to make certain I can Seperate my 2 channel playback from my HT setup!A remote is definately a plus for versitility .Guess it's the couch potatoe in me!

Still do not understand the Processor Loop that is in the new ARC Line.

Was considering the SP9 MKII a few months back and will lean that way most likely!

Thanx for the feedback!
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Speaking of the tape loop, if all else fails and you end up with a rig that has no remote, Creek makes a nifty little passive volume control that is remote controlled. You can rig it into a tape loop and voila, you have remote control of volume when the tape monitor button is engaged. Since it is passive it is very transparent. If you wish to listen to the utmost in clarity you can always bypass it, again with the tape monitor button.
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