Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. SP8 Preamplifier (Tube) by Jerry O

Model:	SP8
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	1,800
Description:	Full-function Tubed Preamplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.

Review by Jerry O ( A ) on October 03, 2002 at 13:55:39
IP Address: 12.13.238.141

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I have a bad habit of changing out components too often. I've been through a number of fine sounding tubed and solid state preamps over the last few years, from ARC to CJ to McIntosh, to name a few. After reading all the glowing remarks of the ARC SP6/8/10 series preamps here at AA, I did a crazy thing and picked up through E-bay an SP8 MkII Rev 7 (according to the factory). The unit was in pristene condition including factory maintenance records, schematics, etc. For preventative measures I had the P/S caps updated, and it also has a fresh set of factory tubes (no special NOS so far). Frankly, I didn't expect too much from a 16 years old preamp. How good can such an old preamp really be??? Well, this old thing sounds better then anything that's crawled through my system to date. I am amazed! The music is clearer, cleaner, with more accurate placement of instruments within a soundstage, with lots of air and space around them. The improvement just jumped out at me. It reminds me of the LS25, but cleaner and more open, without being "hyper neutral". Maybe my imagination is getting the better of me, but this is one heck of a preamp. The sound is anything but outdated. And, that's after listening to everything from Rite of Spring to Tower of Power. You can typically find these units used in the $700 to $900 range. Stock, they sound great. With a little tweaking and tube rolling...who knows?!

Product Weakness: 16+ years of wear and tear. I hope this things lasts awhile longer.
Product Strengths: Natural, clean, clear reproduction within a broad, deep soundstage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bedini BA-803
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research SP8 MkII
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DN-C680 CDP, VPI Jr/AQ PT9+/Shure V15 Type VxMR
Speakers:	Monitor Audio Gold Reference 60
Cables/Interconnects:	Audio Magic, Audiotruth, Harmonic Tech
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Basically classical and jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	12.5 x 17 x 8-10
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	about 1 month
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	16+ years of wear and tear. I hope this things lasts awhile longer.
Product Strengths:	Natural, clean, clear reproduction within a broad, deep soundstage.