Meet one of the sexiest preamps to come our way. The ARC SP-9 has long been one of the most desirable, and for good reason. Turntable ready, this preamp delivers surgically clean signal through ARC's hybrid FET/Tube audio circuit and solid-state power supply. And you'd never know it's over 30. We've run a full battery of tests, and everything under the sun is in tune. Renown for its warm tube tone, this preamp pairs nicely with horn-loaded or high-efficiency speakers. Anodized in Midnight Black. See you on the dark side.
Production
1991
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
79337024
Orig. MSRP
$1795
Restoration
- Full service check
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Tubes checked and matched internal triodes
- Some critical components and wire connections resoldered
Factory Specs
Frequency Response ±.5dB, 5 Hz to 50 kHz, - 3dB points below 1 Hz and above 200kHz (Line) / ±.3dB of RIAA, 30Hz to 40kHz (Phono)
Distortion (thd) Less than 0.1% at 2V RMS output (Typically less than 0.005% in midband)
Noise (Line) 70 µV RMS maximum residual unweighted wideband noise at main output with gain control minimum (98 dB below 5V RMS output), More than 100dB below 1V RMS input (less than 7µV equivalent input noise)
Noise (Phono) 0.12 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (78dB below 1 mV input)
Gain 46dB (Phono to Tape), 66dB (Phono to Main), 0dB (Line to Tape), 20dB (Line to Main)
Input Impedance 50KΩ line / 40K phono (Phono provisions for any value below 47KΩ or added input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges)
Output Impedance 500Ω main output / 850Ω recorder output
Recommended Load 60KΩ and 100pF (20KΩ minimum and 1000pF maximum)
Maximum Input (Phono) 200mV at 1kHz / 1000 mV RMS @ 10kHz (High level inputs essentially overload proof)
Rated Outputs 2V RMS 5Hz to 50kHz, all outputs; 60KΩ load (main output capability is 50 V RMS output at 1/2% THD at 1kHz into a 100KΩ load with 5V RMS high level input)
Transformer Shielded toroid
Power Supplies Electronically–regulated low and high voltage supplies with electronic decoupling
Line Regulation better than .01%
Tube Complement 2 x 6DJ8/ECC88 dual triodes (Hybrid FET/Tube audio circuit with solid-state power supply)
Power Requirements 100-135 VAC 60 Hz (200-270 VAC 50/60Hz) 50W MAX
Dimensions 19”W x 5.25”H x 10.25”D (Handles extend 1 5/8” forward of the front panel, rear chassis fittings extend 7/8”, standard rack height chassis)
Weight 13 lbs. Net / 22 lbs. Shipping
Documentation
ARC SP-9 MKII Owner's Manual
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 ]
Liner Notes
"The SP9 Mk.II produced a fundamentally good sound in my system, with clear, sparkling highs and a rich, if somewhat reticent, midrange and bass. There is a family resemblance between this product and the SP14, especially in the overall "musicality" of the sound. I felt I could listen to the SP9 Mk.II for extended periods without listening fatigue. Timbres of instruments were well-captured, and male and female voices sounded good. Retrieval of fine performance details was excellent, and the recreation of the recording venue was fine, though somewhat attenuated at the rear and edges of the stage."
Guy Lemcoe, Stereophile, Nov 1990
Stock No.
7533721059549
