Vintage preamps Part 3, Audio Research SP3

More info on the Audio Research SP3 A1 I reviewed. skyfiaudio.com...
That one is now sold, but SkyFi has another SP3, skyfiaudio.com...
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[@stimpy1226]

I owned both the ML-1 and the audio research SP3 A-1 and I agree with everything you’re saying right down to the last letter about the way each of these preamps sonic characteristics were. It’s amazing how much of the same identical equipment we have owned possibly because I am 75 years old. I know you’re not that old but it’s the same time period. Good job Steve!

[@bigblueocean]

A great selection of content on your channel over the last few months Steve. You've done superbly well in difficult times for us. Thanks.

[@davidn8656]

The preamp that started it all.

[@yourdiytechlife]

great series of reviews, its great to get your thoughts and comments on the vintage gear. There are lots of folks that really enjoy it including myself. Thanks!

[@stimpy1226]

In my many years of upgrading my music system I have owned an SP3A-1 and an ML-1. I currently use pass XP-22 and XP-15 preamps. I’ve had many other preamps in to boot in my history of being an audio enthusiast. My experience comparing the Audio Research with Mark Levinson preamps is identical with Steve's assessment. Always happy to go back from a accurate but extremely neutral sound to more musical sound. I actually owned the Phase Linear preamp at one time as well amongst many others. Really enjoyed this vintage review series.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks

[@jonathansturm4163]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacI must concur. Your conclusions regarding every item I have owned that you have reviewed have coincided with mine. You may not be the _best_ reviewer out there, but you are most definitely in the top two! ;-)

[@stimpy1226]

Jonathan… I would prefer to say that I may not be the best, but I'm the best of the worst😎

[@brianruhl4488]

Thanks for the review. Watching your channel on a beautiful Sunday morning with a good cup of coffee....life is good.

[@trekjudas]

Sweet! Let me check one out. OUCH!! Even their vintage stuff is freaking expensive!!

[@zachariahadams]

I know. I owned this preamp and never had the ability to really enjoy it. I had to sell it for rent.

[@andrewp9725]

Really enjoyed this vintage series thanks! Can you do your top 3 vintage power amps?

[@vintagehifilover]

Great suggestion, I would love if Steve could review the Audio Research D115 mkii. I think SlyFi Audio have a couple of them atm.

[@haldumille5594]

I have a Yamaha C-2 from the late '70's that I enjoy. Sounds great coupled with a Yamaha B-1 Power amp and a T-2 Tuner. Vintage stuff is expensive, I wouldn't want to have to pay for it today! These were given to me by a great Uncle! Super segments, thanks!

[@genehart261]

Bill Johnson had tremendous courage when he started Audio Research in the days when solid state was taking over the audio industry. Man, I lusted after their gear. Alas, it was (and is) out of my price range. I have "settled" for Primaluna and find it a good compromise.

[@skip1835]

So glad you included the SP3 Steve - a classic classic - - coveted - for you to have one fresh from Audio Research is a much bigger treat than I could have hoped for in your "vintage" pre-amp series, certainly not a shocker that for the most part it was the favorite of the 3 you reviewed - always wanted one, never owned one, what experience listening to it I did have was that to me, it marked the beginning of sound stage depth, certainly a hint at 3D presentation and yeah, could be it was the tubes "flavoring" that aspect, but oh gawd, how lovely it was. Thanks for the excellent series, loved it.

[@markcarrington8565]

Nice review Steve. Not surprised the phono input is not ideal for moving coil if it was designed for moving magnet cartridges. It's not just the low output, but the vastly different impedance matching between cartridge and the phono stage.

[@andershammer9307]

I have an Audio Research SP2 I recapped and an SP6 I rebuilt and a SP6B. Love the SP6B which I feel is one of the best sounding not modified preamps. The one in my system is the SP6. Love the look and feel of it.

[@Geoduck.]

Interesting and fun review Steve. I was curious about the PS3 it's still highly regarded today.

[@Darrylizer1]

As an owner of two vintage preamps I really liked this series.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I liked the look and feel of the controls on my vintage SONY-TA200f so much that I decided to re-design and re-build the line-amp gain stages using the original schematic, circuit simulator software, five years of patience (from initial design to final tests) and modern parts. All the boards are "plug-in". Easy to service. Had to bypass the phono stage with an external amp though. I love the AR-SP3.

[@davidrusso4750]

Good review - your words communicate the essence of the device.

[@Mr39036ce]

Started with the search for a pre when it was suggested that I modify my Marantz 7. I didn't think that was a way to go so I looked for a better way. I started with an SP-2(which I still have also and progressed up to the three. Never looked back. I also went to a Dual 50 for an amplifier for the 2. When I upped the ante to the 3 naturally I had to up the amp to a D-76. Happiness with either old Bozaks or my Altecs Lansing 604C's.mostly the 604's.

[@artkulak9802]

One of my biggest audio mistakes ever was buying a Crown IC150 instead of the Audio Research SP3A when I bought my first "good" system back in the early 70's. Later I bought a SP6A and then SP6B. I wish I still had the SP6A. I still have the SP6B. "IF" you're going to go for that vintage tube phono sound this is it. I use the SP6B as a phono preamp only nowadays. It sounds glorious with vinyl. (disclaimer: I'm all digital throughput now and streaming hi-res most of the time).

[@mckinleyparkbikes]

It would be cool for you to review some HiFi from the 60's that is more realistic for others to own. For example the Fisher 400, 500c, 800c and x-202b are amazing. They are a lot of fun and sound great when restored, I own one of each model.I have paired them with equipment you have reviewed, Schiit Bifrost DAC, Blue Node streamer and ZU DW MK II. In addition the HH Scott integrateds from the 299 series and HK Citations.

[@PanAmStyle]

I’m sad this is the final vintage preamp review. I would love to see a review of an updated (hot rodded!) Dyna PAS-3x

[@hifitommy]

i got an sp3a1 for cheap that needed attention which it got from arc to sp3c level. i will say that the LINE STAGE is the heart of the audio system. i don't hear the stereotypical tube sound, mine sounds flat from dc to daylight with tonal colors that are as vivid as an old Sony Trinitron or zenith tv. you will have to pry this from my cold dead hands (probably sooner than later at my age of 76). i agree that the phono stage isn't the ultimate but is certainly more than adequate. i must say that i agree with many designers that tubes in the preamp and ss power output is a delicious way to the tube sound with the authority that music demands. i use an ADCOM 555II with better than pleasing results ...hifitommy.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Always great to hear this

[@mkfmkf55]

You've obviously been blessed with extraordinary hearing for a septuagenarian...

[@furuguem]

Either that or...

[@paulpavlou9294]

Hi Steve, back in the day or 1982 I purchased a VacuumState FVP pre-amplifier instead of an Audio Research, VTL. I wanted an Australian made system. I’m still using it for its wonderful phono stage and it has been updated to the latest Swiss made VacuumState SVP-2 specs. I should point out although my model was made in Australia where it was designed and built by a New Zealander Allan Wright.

[@stephensmith3111]

It would be interesting if you could get an Audio Research Reference 6SE and/or a McIntosh C70, two of their current tube preamplifiers. The Ref. 6SE is more of a contemporary, minimalist design while the C70 is purposely retro (to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary, hence the model number) on the outside but with modern circuitry under the hood. The C70 also has built in double phone stages with adjustable cartridge loading for MM and MC plus bass and treble tone controls (with a bypass switch).

[@donvito8652]

There are other vintage Pre's worth reviewing that I hope you'd consider: The Marantz 7 and of course my personal favorite that I presently own and use in my main system with my Decware SE84 UFO., The Conrad Johnson PV5 that Anthony Cordesman had such high regard for back in 1984 ... designed by Bascomb King. I'm a little disappointed though as for vacuum tube enthusiasts, I would think it would just be a natural to do the evaluation with the SP3 in combination with the Decware as well as the Nelson Pass amps.

[@meshplates]

The only one of the three I'd take.

[@MrJamescord]

I got a C22 and had it brought up to spec and I love it with my MC 240 tube Mcintosh and 71 Mcintosh tube tuner. Have new LaScala’s and it is really nice. Doing a JL Audio 113 sub for the next part. Will do a modern system for my office! Bedroom had original JBL 100L century’s in blue with original JBL walnut stands and a 1700 McIntosh receiver!

[@pandstar]

I completely agree. I am familiar with all 3 of these, and the AR is the only one that has all the attributes one wants in a tube preamp, without giving up most of the attributes good about SS preamps. The Mac is way too tubey, and the Phase is typical of SS preamps of its time, too harsh and grainy.

[@multicyclist]

Exactly what I perceive from tube gear vs modern solid-state. Not as crisp or clean but more musical sounding making me want to listen longer. Love vintage gear and can do restorations to new (or better) condition myself. Using an MC cartridge on a MM input would have an impedance mismatch which would degrade the sound. MC impedance load is usually on the order of 5--100 ohms and MM is pretty standard at 47,000 ohms. Also when reviewing a person should make sure that the cartridge being tested should have the correct capacitance loading in PF (picofarads) according to the cartridge manufacture as they can differ. Incorrect loading changes the response of the cartridge enough which could make an inferior cartridge that is properly matched sound better than a superior cartridge with mismatched impedance and/or capacitance loading.

[@jonathansturm4163]

I thought Steve said he used a matching transformer… or did I miss something? Always possible when your brain’s as old as mine!

[@memcdm]

I remember this preamp fondly. Also, I remember the controversy when ARC introduced the all transistor SP6 which I owned until this year. After selling audiophiles on the notion that tubes were far superior to solid state they come out with a solid state preamp! The other annoying company practice was to sell you a component that was the greatest in the world and then introducing a modification within a year to make the best better. I did buy a model for the SP6 which made no audible difference I did like the SP3 tube better than my SP6 which I never found to be all that wonderful sounding given the price. The phono section broke very early in its life as well. I used an outboard phono which sounded better to me anyway so I didn't feel the need to fix the problem. After the SP6, ARC did introduce a tube preamp. I can't comment on that one since I did not do a home review and never owned the piece

[@michaelhartman8724]

The Sp 6 was a tube preamp (reference ARCDB database). It was a return to tubes after the Sp 4 and Sp 5 transistor preamps.

[@hugobloemers4425]

No remote, that's a bonus in my book.

[@warrenkeppler9217]

Thanks for the vintage reviews! Any chance of doing some vintage tube integrateds reviews? (ie. Sherwood, EIco, Fisher or Scott)

[@w1nchester32]

i fell in love with this SP3 A1, bought one, only to find that, (i) it didn't really work with UK voltage and I had to use a device to reduce the voltage and (ii) the preamp has high gain and was a bad match for a very sensitive power amp, in my case a Leak Stereo 20. It sounded awful. We live and learn !!

[@weldon7828]

Steve, good review but I’m surprised that you didn’t mention that Audio Research has a program now to re-engineer an SP3 to an SP3C. From what I’ve seen, the inside does not look like an SP3 at all and the IO connectors are replaced with gold plated ones. ARC says that the sound has improved treble, midrange and base of the SP3-A1. I’m waiting for the determined price and authorization to ship my SP3 to ARC. It was built in 1973 and I bought it new.

[@weldon7828]

I would agree. But from what I have seen and read, it’s more like the Chevy you see at a NASCAR race. It still looks like a Chevy but........

[@Jack96993]

I have the ARC LS 15 that I bought in 1994 and still have in in my audio rig today. It's matched with my VAC PA 100 100 that I also bought at the same time. and to me the match is made in heaven! Could I do better, yes but at what cost??

[@zachariahadams]

Can you believe I got my SP3 at a garage sale in 2014 for $20. 💵💵 Unfortunately I never quite had a system that justified ownership so I had to sell it. It did however pay first and last months rent.

[@jccc6524]

Hi steve, what turntable cartridge MM or MC will you recommend?

[@mikecees2230]

Hey Steve, Back in the day I also owned an SP-6(A) paired with a Threshold 400a. I later changed it for a Threshold SL-10. How does the Schiit Freya+ compare to good vintage preamps?

[@audiolover]

Also interested...🤔

[@mikecees2230]

@@audiolover Steve must have bigger fish to fry.

[@QoraxAudio]

3:36 Funny how that amp you got there is sold to someone else in the meantime. With modern products, if the packaging has been opened, it becomes a outlet bargain. If you buy vintage, you can resell it for a nice price after use. That's a big advantage of vintage equipment IMO, just trying out some devices doesn't break the bank, as long as you're able to find a buyer. 5:51 That's how I sound when taking a big shit 😂

[@obibaddad1991]

I loved my SP6. End of story.

[@jimclark5617]

2- Unserviced vintage preamps with hum vs a factory serviced and upgraded AR?

[@audiolover]

I will always choose older one and serviced for better sound

[@brianjuffs4662]

Should look at the Dynaco series. Pas3, ST-35 & ST70.

[@bolsesolheim7469]

I repaired a Lot of SP3 s ! They all leaked fluid from the Electrolytes which were of incredibly bad Quality! This is a Classic Mickey Mouse product ! The parts were mostly worthless! Stopped Buying ML decades Ago ! Fantastic workmanship but Tubes are more satisfying in general! I like that you are happy with Pass Labs .Nelson Is both your and my friend !

[@bilguana11]

Mine never leaked.

[@jonathansturm4163]

@@bilguana11 Probably different batches. About 20 years ago several highly reputable computer manufacturers were screwed over when they purchased many thousands of cheap Chinese crap electros that were labelled as if they were made by Philips, or another reputable parts maker.

[@tomhound273]

I wanted an Audio Research SP3 so bad but only could afford Paragon E. but it sounded so good with my Marantz 8b.

[@stanfordziets2449]

I once owned the Paragon E 1 & it had a very seductive sound. I sold it only because the external power supply was unstable & was making some serious noises. A tech told me it wasn't properly constructed & to get rid of it but the sound was amazing.

[@tomhound273]

@@stanfordziets2449 you are correct - the sound was beautiful with my Marantz 8b - but it was unstable - you may know it had two units or two boxes. - my memory is that I had it modified by a guy in orange county. My son has my 8b and I can't remember what I did with the paragon. I remember the platter cracking on my Rega and I threw out the whole thing, nuts. now I am back in vinyl and just picked up a pair of Klipsch and a Marantz 5005 and a rega Pl1. I am 77 but honestly, I cannot believe the sound I am getting for under 1000.00. Steve is so easy to listen too - I like the fact that he talks about budget equipment. Good sound does not have to cost thousands.

[@saquibhussain6000]

Steve, Please review products from Raven Audio or Bob Carver. We need to understand what you can get today and how they compare to vintage.

[@racesla]

Hey Steve, how about doing a part 4 on a Accuphase c-200. I just picked one up from a friend.

[@AdrianIII]

Have you ever know an audiophile who lives "happily ever after" with ANY single piece of equipment? LOL (Actually, I did know one in the 70s who had a McIntosh/Klipschorn/Thorens/Ortofon system who kept and used it until he died!)

[@Frankinsteinguitar]

Pray tell, what does a modern contemporary pre-amp sound like? What makes it superior (?) to the vintage gear? Just asking.

[@EclecticApotheosis]

Would've been interesting to compare to a Schiit Freya

[@scottcarlon6318]

Went to the site in your drop down Steve, but was put off by the asking prices for the inventory listed as it was at the same price as new retail for the same product. In my opinion, anyone paying these prices are fools. I’ll just buy new.

[@byronservies4043]

And to think I consider my late 90’s Lexicon DC-1 “vintage” ! 😅

[@RickRoberts_simplyrick]

an inspiration for many others. How about a vintage Beveridge RM1/2, or later Music Reference, Quicksilver, Audible Illusions, Counterpoint , New York Audio Labs, and on and on... All out of the Western Electric tube book really.

[@HareDeLune]

Go ahead, ask Steve how he feels about the Beveridge company. 😂 😂

[@jonathansturm4163]

Talking vintage, is that a pair of Sennheiser HD 414 headphones hanging off the shelf to the left of your head Steve? I purchased a pair of those in 1973 for $AU23.50 and they blew me away! As did the price :-)

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, original HD414 headphones, love ‘em!

[@AdrianIII]

How LITTLE would you need to spend on a modern preamp to equal or better the performance of this SP3?

[@hunkydorian]

Those Audio Research SP3s were copied from the original Marantz phono and line circuits, which added a 12AX7 cathode follower to get a sufficiently low output resistance. But the cathode follower isn't known as a wonderful-sounding circuit. Better one should use a 6SN7 to drive the output.

[@johnstone7697]

$4500? That's a bit ridiculous for a piece of audio nostalgia. I had one in my system back in the 70's, and it certainly had its virtues. But there were a number of solid state preamps around even then that could give it a run for its money. Today, plenty of modern preamps can outperform this unit at a much lower price. The other issue is that of ARC and cost for repair and modifications. They are borderline insane. When these were current products, there was a constant stream of modifications and upgrades, that would have these products traveling back and forth to the factory at regular intervals. To me, it just seemed like the products were never really finished. And this preamp, like much of their product line at the time, was certainly not known for its reliability. It ran hot, and used both tubes and transistors in the circuitry. That, and the use of printed circuit boards with tubes was not exactly a formula for reliability.

[@kennethiman2691]

That amp costs more than my car. I love vintage gear but they need restored in most cases. If you can't do it yourself, paying to have it done is expensive.

[@QoraxAudio]

This amp is about 4500. Expensive, but an average car is more expensive.

[@fhester44]

@@QoraxAudio de G

[@memcdm]

I owned an SP6 and my unit was Not a Tube unit. ARC quickly repented of making a solid state unit but my unit had no tubes.

[@johnstone7697]

Then it wasn't an SP6. Possibly an SP4.

[@johnholmes912]

i always thought a pre should sound invisible

[@MusicSasho]

Audio Research SP3 vs C28 ?

[@carlosbauza1139]

Dynaco PAS-3 preamp.

[@RC-wi6xm]

Spectral DMC12

[@cliffordcostley9798]

Can't believe you are ignoring the Adcom GFP-750.

[@furuguem]

So a preamp has a sound signature? Could we blind teat that?

[@brianruhl4488]

Do you actually put your stereo equipment behind a curtain?

[@HareDeLune]

Blind teats, eh? I think we should milk that comment for all it's worth! 😂

[@jonathansturm4163]

@@HareDeLune You’re just hoping to cow him into submission ;-)

[@intothevoid9831]

Yes, different audio products sound different. I know, very shocking.

[@intothevoid9831]

@@furuguem What BS?

[@sirsuse]

$4500? Seems a little high.

[@Geoduck.]

I'm not so sure although that is a large amount of money. For a perfect example collectable nice sounding preamp completely rebuild from the factory maybe a good value?

[@sirsuse]

@@Geoduck. Maybe. It seems high to me because I'm poor. I'm perfectly happy with my refurbished Carver C-1.

[@charlesgrubbs2101]

I've seen prices as high as 3500-3800 for them on the used market, and that was not refurbished. Also this is from a dealer and not an individual owner, so there is some profit to be made as well.

[@LookSee]

Oomph! Oomph? Hmm, how about gumption? Or in this particular review, pregumption, just sayin ;-)

[@memcdm]

I see the problem. The ARC SP5 was my unit. Sorry about that. Don't buy one. Even with mods I installed, the unit was underwhelming. Go for a good ....restored tube unit. Or why not just a new tube unit?

[@neosolipsist1016]

Audio Research ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT service all the equipment they've ever made! It's even printed on their website. I have a several vintage ARC pieces that CANNOT be serviced by ARC.

[@jonathansturm4163]

Pedant! I think AR’s claim to unparalleled ability to service _almost_ every product they have manufactured is true. You probably don’t realise that they rely on products manufactured by others (valves/semis) that have ceased to be manufactured and therefore unobtainable.

[@trekjudas]

Like Mr. Guttenberg I'm a proud audiophile but lately, some have been saying that you aren't a true audiophile unless you can repair and work on gear. I don't have any electronic training so I suppose I'm a fake audiophile.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You are true audiophile

[@jonathansturm4163]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Wasn’t it you Steve that said that listening to music without multi-tasking defined the audiophile?

[@acoustic61]

Most vintage preamps don't sound very good. Hi-fi has come a long way. Even in the past few years. These days people seem to be looking for equipment that measure well and there's plenty of it around now for very reasonable money. The Schiit Freya is supposed to be very good. Some good Chi-fi stuff out there too. Tubes aren't necessarily superior anymore unless maybe you're looking for a certain type sound that's not neutral. Phono preamps are a whole nother world since vinyl is more about sounding euphonic than neutral or transparent.

[@bolsesolheim7469]

Had to replace all the rotten Caps of this mediocre preamp anno 1977 ! Always sounded bad! Dr Solheim Norway!