I had never looked closely at the SP-16. I looked it up and I was suprised to see that it is very similar internally to my old SP-6b. Like a modern version of it. The SP-6b used 6 12AX7 tubes configured the same way. Based on that, my experience says that you would see a nice improvement with some NOS tubes.
Need help with ARC sp16 and tubes
I found the right channel out completely today for phono source only. Preamp is ARC sp16, 6 12AX7 tubes, 3 phono, 3 other. If I connect phono to a line level input, I get low volume sound in both channels which tells me its the phono section of the pre-amp, not cart or anything upstream.
I have spare 12AX7 tubes to test with one by one sometime soon when I get a chance.
My question is, is it common for 1 channel of a 12AX7 tube to go completely? There is sound in left channel but not sure if 100% or not at this point.
I have heard noise levels increase in the past with the ARC when tubes get weak and need to be replaced but have not experienced a 1 channel out scenario with it before.
Thanks in advance for any insights.
I have spare 12AX7 tubes to test with one by one sometime soon when I get a chance.
My question is, is it common for 1 channel of a 12AX7 tube to go completely? There is sound in left channel but not sure if 100% or not at this point.
I have heard noise levels increase in the past with the ARC when tubes get weak and need to be replaced but have not experienced a 1 channel out scenario with it before.
Thanks in advance for any insights.