which pre

[Neil McCauley]

Thanks for that, would it matter which of the variants of SP11?, it appears there are 3, a SP11, SP11 revised, and Mk II.

Just to show how technically inept I can be, having tracked down the odd photograph of the SP11, it seems that the pre takes it power feed from the power, I assume this can be replaced by some kind of power supply?

Hi. I've not had direct personal experience of the variants, if indeed there are variants. It's a sad fact of audiophile life that some sellers, either with an over-active imagination, or perhaps to try and mislead through adding value, invent so called upgrades. I'm unclear if this is the case here though.

My suggestion would be to find the official Audio Research website and look for a vintage section and/or email them as to the product evolution of the SP11.

Incidentally, the SP11 is a two-box unit and what you might have thought was the power amp is in fact the power supply.

There is, as you can see, some 'homework' for you to do. Worth it though in the long run.

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[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Try this link;

http://www.arcdb.ws/

I would also give consideration to the ARC LS15 unless you require a phono stage, and also the Modwright SWL 9.0, with either standard or Valve Rectified PS.

Andy - SDDW

[Alan]

I would suggest sampling an NVA rig...AP80a integrated, or pre /power. Whatever folk say about the ol' muppet, his amps are bloody good, you simply won't find better SS at the price...IMO.

Amen.

[Mike]

Well my suggestion would be a World Designs WDPre3 and it's associated PSU. These are available as a kit or fully built and tested, theres some info here:

http://wduk.worldomain.net/acatalog/AmpKits.html

I'm hoping to get one myself in the near future and was thinking 'North Linconshire' is not far from me. I'd be happy to bring mine down to you for you try in your own system.

Have a look on the link above and see if this might interest you, alternatively, you could pop over to the WD forum and ask if there's anyone near you who has one. There are plenty of friendly and helpful folk on there.

Cheers,
Mike.

*EDIT* I should add that I am very firmly of the opinion that WD products offer a level of performance that is WAY beyond their price point and put commercial products that are several times the price, well and truly to shame! And I am NOT joking!

[John]

If you willing to do down the passive route the music first is pretty special. Also consider the SAC Invincible Preamplifier The transformers are all hand wound and sounds amazing.

[lurcher]

I would also give consideration to the ARC LS15 unless you require a phono stage, and also the Modwright SWL 9.0, with either standard or Valve Rectified PS.

I have been using a Modwright LS36.5 for the last week or so, and I have to admit its doing something rather special.

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Hi Lurcher
That's the pre I currently use and have done for the past 9 months. You are correct in that it does do 'something rather special'

Andy - SDDW

[Mike]

I've heard it... Agreed!

[Colinx]

at that price I would expect it to be a pre amp, cook breakfast and wash the car on sunday.

[Mike]

at that price I would expect it to be a pre amp, cook breakfast and wash the car on sunday.

Then perhaps I could nudge you in the direction of the WD option?

I'd be more than happy to build it for you, for the (IMHO) very resonable price of, err, nothing!... I really do enjoy that sort of thing!