If memory serves me the SP7 is an older SS ARC pre-amp? ARC has never been known for its SS stuff, quite the contrary, the SP6 and the SP8 are both far, far, better preamps and would easily better the SP7 and can be found for $1000 or less depending on condition. The only ARC pre-amp which bears a 7 in its designation with which I am familar is the LS7, an excellent budget line stage tube amp which was discontinued. If all you need is a line stage, and you want ARC on a budget, this is a better selection than many of the later LS series which became increasingly more sterile.
ARC users please
I have been trying many different budget preamps just for the fun of it. I have stumbled upon a Audio Research SP7.
This thing sounds amazing. Any preamp under $1000.00 that I put in my system doesn't come close to the sound of the SP7.
Everything else I try sounds like it is in mono compared to the SP7. I don't know how to describe the difference. The sound is more alive and every instrument is in place.
My question, is this a signiture ARC sound ?
I have read good and bad reviews of the LS3. So I am not sure if I need to look for a certain model to upgrade to, but still keep that synergy in my system that I have now.
Thanks, Scott
This thing sounds amazing. Any preamp under $1000.00 that I put in my system doesn't come close to the sound of the SP7.
Everything else I try sounds like it is in mono compared to the SP7. I don't know how to describe the difference. The sound is more alive and every instrument is in place.
My question, is this a signiture ARC sound ?
I have read good and bad reviews of the LS3. So I am not sure if I need to look for a certain model to upgrade to, but still keep that synergy in my system that I have now.
Thanks, Scott