The Audio Research SP-6B isn’t just a tube preamp—it’s a golden-age relic of analog perfection, dripping in warmth, detail, and pure musicality. Built between 1979 and 1982, this thing was the must-have preamp of its era, and today, it still wipes the floor with plenty of modern gear that costs way more.
If you’re a vinyl junkie, a tube lover, or just someone who appreciates gear that actually sounds like music, the SP-6B is one of the greats.
- Production
- 1979-82
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 10113020
- Restoration
- Replaced two capacitors in power supply
- Cleaned all control contacts
- Verified all inputs and outputs
- Unit is configured for moving magnet phono cartridges
- All tubes test good
- Factory Specs
Frequency response: 5Hz to 30kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.01%
Gain: 60dB (MM), 26dB (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 66dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 2V (Pre out), 60V (Pre out Max)
Valve complement: 6 x ECC83
Dimensions: 480 x 134 x 260mm / 18.9" x 5.3" x 10.2"
Weight: 22lbs
- 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.
- 8952895111389
The Audio Research SP-6B isn’t just a tube preamp—it’s a golden-age relic of analog perfection, dripping in warmth, detail, and pure musicality. Built between 1979 and 1982, this thing was the must-have preamp of its era, and today, it still wipes the floor with plenty of modern gear that costs way more.
If you’re a vinyl junkie, a tube lover, or just someone who appreciates gear that actually sounds like music, the SP-6B is one of the greats.
Production
1979-82
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
10113020
Restoration
- Replaced two capacitors in power supply
- Cleaned all control contacts
- Verified all inputs and outputs
- Unit is configured for moving magnet phono cartridges
- All tubes test good
Factory Specs
Frequency response: 5Hz to 30kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.01%
Gain: 60dB (MM), 26dB (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 66dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 2V (Pre out), 60V (Pre out Max)
Valve complement: 6 x ECC83
Dimensions: 480 x 134 x 260mm / 18.9" x 5.3" x 10.2"
Weight: 22lbs
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.
8952895111389
