I have listened to both the SP-10 MK2 and SP-11 M2, clearly the two best vintage preamps from ARC. I find the SP-10 MK2 to sound warm and tuby, and when compared to the SP-11 MK2, it lacks the high & low end extension and sound a bit too syrupy & dense in the midrange. However, when matched with a leaner system, it could sound very inviting. The SP-11 MK2 has a cleaner, bigger, faster, more detailed and more dynamic sound. Its midrange is more neutral (just a bit tuby) and very liquid, but not emphasized like that of the SP-10 MK2. Furthermore, the SP-11 MK2 in terms of bass slam depth and speed is far more impressive. Overall, the SP-11 MK2 has a more linear sound with a blacker background.
The better preamp? I believe that it depends on what you have. If your system, independent of the preamp, tends to be lean and/or bright, the SP-10 MK2 may be your road to salvation. If you have a rather neutral or warm sounding system independent of the preamp, I would prefer to go with an SP-11 MK2.
The better preamp? I believe that it depends on what you have. If your system, independent of the preamp, tends to be lean and/or bright, the SP-10 MK2 may be your road to salvation. If you have a rather neutral or warm sounding system independent of the preamp, I would prefer to go with an SP-11 MK2.