I recently updated my SP-9MKII to MKIII specs. The first thing that grabs you is an immediate increase in bass power and slam. Upon further listening, it possesses much greater mid range detail and high frequency delicacy/air. When listening to my favorite LPs/CDs, I found myself laughing at hearing so much deeper into the source.
Which ARC? - SP8, SP9 or SP11
Which is your vote for best single-chassis preamp w/phono from ARC? I'm quite fond of the warm sounding SP8. Any experience with the various revisions? Reliability issues? - I'm quite aware that certain ARC units are prone to electrolytic leakage.