Audio Research SP9 preamplifier with phono stage

[Mr. C]

We have a just received one of the original reference pre amplifiers from Audio Research the SP9, this one is 1990 vintage in beautiful condition, just been fully serviced and had a couple of minor factory upgrades performed by Absolute Sounds. This unit has a built on phono stage as well comes with original boxes and paper-work. Superb sounding preamplifier. Asking £895


http://www.coherent-systems.co.uk/used.asp

http://www.coherent-systems.co.uk/contact.asp

http://www.coherent-systems.co.uk/images/used/199.jpg

[DSJR]

This was a goodie I thought, spoiled only because it was "bottom" of the range back then. I reckon the more expensive models actually added colouration and kudos to the owners and loads of dollars to the dealer, distributor and maufacturer's bank accounts, all in the aims of the "Top End..."

Looks to be in great original condition too :)

[Mr. C]

Hello Dave,

It is genuinelly in exceptional condition for the year and sounds like a freshly minted SP9

[The Grand Wazoo]

Far better value than an SP11 & 99% of the performance.

[Marco]

Tony, *that* is quality - and at a very attractive price....! Any chance of a pic with the lid off? :)

Marco.

[DSJR]

You won't like it, it has circuit board(s) and everything :lol:

[Marco]

Oh I think I might...! ;)

Marco.

[DSJR]

I thought you put sonics before bling Marco? Wonderful as it is for 1988, Glenn's products have little to fear from it apart from front plate finish - and I have compared them in the past :)

Anyway, at the condition and price asked, the "bling" only enhances the appeal dramatically, since one made today would be a rather unreasonable (IMO) £2500 to £3000 new I suspect.

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

I don't consider the SP9 as being "bling". For me, it's anything but that, and has a rather cool old school 'science-lab' look, which I love :)

Sonically, I've no idea what it's like, but for £895 I think it's a steal, and ripe for some serious tweakage by someone willing to take it on as a bit of a project :cool:

Marco.

[DSJR]

I think I can fairly say that the SP9 (and also the SP14 I had) was/were the first products I ever heard that could give a decent (back then) CD player a chance to present a "walk-in" sound-field. And I mean that as a compliment, since changing to a more mundane amp made everything collapse into a paper thin soundstage in comparison... Other valved ARC pre's from before and after this era tended to over-colour the sound IMO, mainly I suspect because they were often used with Krell power amps during their screaming period - possibly.. although there seemed to be a quiet revolution going on with their (almost parallel) LS preamps..

Come on someone and give this SP9 a good home. It CERTAINLY won't disappoint at the price asked :) :cool: