PDA

View Full Version : ARC Preamp for ARC M100s?


bkrpdx
November 20, 2014, 05:32 PM
I have heard it suggested that one may get better performance if you match your preamp to your amp(s), even manufacturer. I have a conrad-Johnson PV11 preamp which seemed to work much better with my c-j amps. Now that I have a pair of ARC M100 monoblocks, the sound is good, but not everything seems to work as harmoniously. Anyone have a suggestion for an ARC preamp which would pair nicely with the M100s? Tubes. With Phono. Under $1,000 or so.

Thanks,

Brian.
mep
November 20, 2014, 05:35 PM
Look for an ARC SP-6, SP-6B or SP-6C. They should work marvelous.
mep
November 20, 2014, 05:37 PM
Oh, and try and find a stock unit meaning nobody has monkey-fuc*ed with it because ARC will no longer perform repairs. Plan on sending the unit back to ARC and having it brought back to spec unless the person you bought it from has done that within the last 5-10 years which probably hasn't happened.
Myles B. Astor
November 20, 2014, 05:47 PM
Don't know what it goes for today, but the SP10 made a marvelous combo with the M100s. Problem with the SP10 was always finding quiet tubes but think nowadays that might not be as big a problem. The M100s were one of my favorite ARC camps back in the day (along with the D250 servo).

Also stay away from SP6A. Practically 100 pct failure rate.
mep
November 20, 2014, 06:01 PM
Don't know what it goes for today, but the SP10 made a marvelous combo with the M100s. Problem with the SP10 was always finding quiet tubes but think nowadays that might not be as big a problem. The M100s were one of my favorite ARC camps back in the day (along with the D250 servo).

Also stay away from SP6A. Practically 100 pct failure rate.

You aren't going to find an SP-10 for under $1K. The prices for an SP-10 in working condition usually start around $2,500 and the prices are increasing every year. Also, SP-10 preamps eat tubes like a fat man eats Twinkies.
Myles B. Astor
November 20, 2014, 06:05 PM
I don't remember it eating tubes. Just remember one or two particular tubes that would go noisy in friend's SP10s. But senility is setting in.....
puroagave
November 20, 2014, 06:10 PM
no love for the SP-8?
mep
November 20, 2014, 06:10 PM
I don't remember it eating tubes. Just remember one or two particular tubes that would go noisy in friend's SP10s. But senility is setting in.....

You kind of mentioned it. Tubes tend to be microphonic or go microphonic with the SP-10 and it's a chore to keep the SP-10 running quietly which is what I meant by "eating tubes."
mep
November 20, 2014, 06:11 PM
no love for the SP-8?

The SP-8 MKII is supposed to be the bomb. Can you find one for bkrpdx for under $1K? I don't think so.
bkrpdx
November 20, 2014, 06:41 PM
Wow, thank you for all the great, quick responses. Not sure if I can find a SP-6 (_, B, or C) in that price range, either. Or at all. Know of any?

Thanks again,

Brian.
mep
November 20, 2014, 06:49 PM
Wow, thank you for all the great, quick responses. Not sure if I can find a SP-6 (_, B, or C) in that price range, either. Or at all. Know of any?

Thanks again,

Brian.

Check Audiogon as they come up fairly regularly.
puroagave
November 20, 2014, 07:05 PM
The SP-8 MKII is supposed to be the bomb. Can you find one for bkrpdx for under $1K? I don't think so.

Sp-8s are $1500 and up, nowadays the sp-6 is up to $1k.


you can search here for items currently for sale and sold comps:
http://www.hifishark.com/
mep
November 20, 2014, 07:10 PM
Sp-8s are $1500 and up, nowadays the sp-6 is up to $1k.


you can search here for items currently for sale and sold comps:
http://www.hifishark.com/

I suggested the SP-6 because they can be bought in his price range. There is an SP-8 for sale on Audiogon now, but it's way over $1500.