Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh

$3,999
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The Audio Research SP-3C is the quintessential tube preamplifier for vintage audio lovers, often regarded as the preamp that put Audio Research on the audiophile map. Originally launched in the early 1970s, the SP-3 series has had several revisions, with the C level being a significant upgrade over its predecessors. This model is a benchmark in tube-driven preamps, renowned for its musicality, warmth, and smooth sound. It's the kind of gear that transports you back to an era when audio equipment was built to last and designed to make music sound like, well, music.
Production
1971-1973
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
677220-6
Orig. MSRP
$595
Restoration
  • Replaced one bad tube from phono section
  • Cleaned control contacts
  • Tested all inputs 
Factory Specs

Vacuum-tube stereo preamplifier.

Frequency response: 15Hz-30kHz, ±1dB

Distortion (THD): 0.005% at 5V out

Maximum output: 25V at 1kHz

S/N Ratio: 90dB (Aux input, no ref. level given).
Dimensions: 15 5/8" W by 5" H x 12½ D.

The History of Audio Research
Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $100, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
8799843025117
The Audio Research SP-3C is the quintessential tube preamplifier for vintage audio lovers, often regarded as the preamp that put Audio Research on the audiophile map. Originally launched in the early 1970s, the SP-3 series has had several revisions, with the C level being a significant upgrade over its predecessors. This model is a benchmark in tube-driven preamps, renowned for its musicality, warmth, and smooth sound. It's the kind of gear that transports you back to an era when audio equipment was built to last and designed to make music sound like, well, music.

Production

1971-1973

Condition

9/10

Serial No.

677220-6

Orig. MSRP

$595

Restoration

  • Replaced one bad tube from phono section
  • Cleaned control contacts
  • Tested all inputs 

Factory Specs

Vacuum-tube stereo preamplifier.

Frequency response: 15Hz-30kHz, ±1dB

Distortion (THD): 0.005% at 5V out

Maximum output: 25V at 1kHz

S/N Ratio: 90dB (Aux input, no ref. level given).
Dimensions: 15 5/8" W by 5" H x 12½ D.

The History of Audio Research

Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]

Packing

Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.

Shipping

This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $100, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.

Stock No.

8799843025117

Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh
Vintage / Audio Research SP-3c // Tube Preamplifier / Minty Fresh

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