I upgraded from an SP9-Mk 2 to the Ref One Mk 2 about a year ago, and the change was dramatic. It's a very lively preamp that throws a huge soundstage. Listening is always involving and never fatiguing. I'm not sure about it being the perfect match for all amps; it apparently has a lean midbass, which mates perfectly with the ARC VT 100 Mk 2, which I use, but could sound anemic with other units. In TAS #111, HP gave the Ref One Mk 2 four stars (on a five-star scale), and in the March 1997 Fi, Jonathan Valin ended his review with this comment: "this, my friends, is the stuff dreams are made of." (He later rated the Ref Two even dreamier.) For more user views, see http://SendThisNow.com/c.e?120DE6 Hope that helps.
Audio Research Reference-1 reviews
I can't locate any reviews for the Audio Research Reference 1 preamp. So all you audiophiles who own/owned one, I would appreciate your reviews/opinions. I currently have a Audio Research LS-16 preamp, Meridian 508.24 CDP, Plinius SA100MKII Amp, and Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers. Using Nordost SPM XLR (on the Meridian) and NBS Monitor IV XLR interconnects with NBS Monitor III speaker cables. Yes, I'm considering upgrading to the Ref-1.