Audio Research SP-6 as phono stage

[NealW]

just wanted to thank someone (not sure who) who suggested one looks at a audio research pre-amp to use as a phono stage. the tape out is used to connect to my Naim pre-amp. I had a EAR 834P which i was happy with but after this tip i managed to get hold of an SP-6B and boy was i blown away. deeper tighter bass, bigger soundstage, "air between the instruments" unbealiveable sweet sound from top to bottom and improved detail. i spent last night listening to tons of my LP's because the sound was so good. albums that i thought screeched a little (king crimson - in the wake of poseidin) came out tight and exciting. the other thing was that because of the tighter sound my room which has a tendacy to reinforce bass boom has improved imeasurably.

anyway i truly feel this has been the best purchase i have made in hi-fi and its inspiring me to look for something a little more exciting in my turntable (i have basic micro seiki BL 10X).

thanks to whoever it was who suggested the audio research and to anyone else looking for a phono stage this is the way to go.

[sgb]

The SP-9's no slouch either. In fact the phono section is the best thing about it. If it were not a hybrid lacking that all-tube magic of the SP-3 or -6, I would have kept on using it, but those transistors in its line-out are a bit zippy.

[Jim Ricketts]

I had a 6B when it came out in early 80's and loved it! I finally sold it a few years ago but also agree with you the phono was quite good and still held its' own after all those years. Quality ECC83/12AX7 tubes helps a lot, too.

[JMCIII]

As good as the SP6 phono stage is (and it IS good), the MM stage in the new SP16 is so much better it's not funny. As a former SP6A owner, and now a SP16 owner, I've had the chance to do some in-depth comparisons. Enjoy the SP6 now, but if you get the chance to listen to the SP16, you just might sell that Naim.