FS: SJS Electroacoustics Arcadia Model 1.5 valve preamp

[Colin151]

Up for sale is my SJS Electroacoustics Arcadia preamp. Model 1.5 spec. This is the actual unit that was used at the Cranage show recently. Condition is very nice.

This preamp originally started life as a Model 1 and was built in 2014, so it’s not a late 1990s version like all the others out there. It uses Philips 6111wa tubes.. The early Acradias used 5687 tubes which had a more valvey kind of sound and suffered from pinging noises. In later models the 5687 tubes were replaced by 6111wa as the sound is more neutral (whilst still being very musical) and there are no valve noise problems at all. So this is the more desireable version.

This example has been upgraded to model 1.5 spec with the following upgrades.

1. Upgraded resistors. Shinkoh/Audio Note tantalum film resistors
2. Pure Silver rewire. PTFE silver plated copper stranded cable replaced with PTFE insulted pure silver solid core cable
3. Bypass 2 cathode capacitors - Bypass cathode capacitors in audio circuit with MusiCaps
4. Bypass 3 HT capacitors & 1 LT capacitor. Bypass with ClartyCap and MusiCap combination

The SJS preamps have been compared favourable to many high end preamps such as Kondos (costing well into 5 figures) so are a total bargain. The SJS sound has has real dynamics, a transparency and clarity other valve preamps don’t have, and a sprinkling of unique 3D valve magic that brings the sound to life. Solid state and passive preamps sound very flat and lifeless indeed in comparison, IMO.

Very reluctant sale. I’m moving abroad next year and need to thin down my stuff.

Price is £1700

The preamp is at Simon Shilton’s place in Manchester at the moment after having had some work done on it and being used for the Cranage show. It can be picked up from him in person or sent via courier with insurance for £40.

[Colin151]

Bump for this world class valve pre.

[Colin151]

Bumpy bump

[Colin151]

Bump

[hifinutt]

forgive me for being thick , but what do the lower 2 knobs do on the front panel ?

[Colin151]

forgive me for being thick , but what do the lower 2 knobs do on the front panel ?

Good question, as you can't see the writing from that photo angle. The one on the left is balance (a high quality noble balance control) and the one on the right is tape monitor output selection of the different inputs.

[hifinutt]

ah thanks so much
I do so hate dual volume controls

[Colin151]

Yes me too. That balance control is very nice and can be handy in certain situations. It has a very fine level of adjustment.

[Colin151]

Some interest but still available at the moment.

[Colin151]

Weekend bump.