Audio Research SP20 All Tube Preamp with Phono - Complete Package

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Highly sophisticated yet vintage sounding ALL TUBE preamp from ARC. Made right here in America. $9,000 MSRP.

Includes a built-in phono stage, configurable through the front mounted touch screen, eliminating the need for outboard phono stages.

Super simple to operate and a joy to interact with.

This SP20 is a Demo Unit which includes an in-house 6 month warranty.

Complete package listing which includes the original manual, and packaging as shown in our photos. Please see our photos or the owner's manual link for full specifications.

From an excellent Stereophile review by Robert J. Reina:

"With the neutral, detailed, dynamic, and flexible SP20, Audio Research has hit one out of the park. The company has provided in the SP20 a level of performance of both phono and line stage that would cost almost twice as much to match with ARC separates, when the cost of interconnects is included. ARC has included in the SP20 features derived from their flagship Reference 10 line stage, as well as a first-rate headphone amplifier. I never thought I'd call a $9000 preamp a bargain, but the SP20 is just that."

Audio Research SP20 Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.