Fair price check on Belles 21a and Audio Research SP16

dbaldus

Just wanted to do a quick sanity check with the group on the prices being asked for a couple of pre's I'm considering at the moment.

First up is a Belles 21a with Parts Connexion Level 3 upgrade for $1275 to my door.

Second option is an Audio Research SP16 (the one WITH the phono stage) for $1500 to my door.

Both appear to be in excellent condition, but both also seem to be a little on the high end of used pricing from what I remember when I was looking at these units several months back (in particular the AR).

If anyone could chime in on if they feel like these are fair prices, I'd appreciate it.

Also, if you feel I should definitely go with one over the other to mate with my Belles 350A Reference amp, I'd like to hear your thoughts as well.

Thanks in advance.

naturallight

Well...there is an AR SP9, MARK 2 on Audiogon, asking price is $825. If you care about the Phono section...I would buy that in a heartbeat....I would buy it, but i'm broke.

dbaldus

No need for phono and DEFINITELY need a remote, so the SP9 is out

erniejade

There is a big sound difference between the 9 and the 16. I have the sp16. I think without the board they go for 1100-1200 ish and with 12-1500 depending. You could also get something like a ProJect tube box or Belari tube phono pre if you find the 16 without the phono pre. BTW great sounding preamp! Clean, fast and tight. Would go well with your Tylers.

erniejade

Dupe post

bklynNupe

naturallight wrote: »

Well...there is an AR SP9, MARK 2 on Audiogon, asking price is $825. If you care about the Phono section...I would buy that in a heartbeat....I would buy it, but i'm broke.

I believe the AR SP9 II has phono. I have the spIII w/phono ( which is great by the way).

dbaldus

Well, looks like someone beat me to the 21a. Sucks since that's the way I was leaning!

Sounds like I'll be looking more into the 16.

dbaldus

Hmm... for some reason, I was thinking the SP9 was phono ONLY and was dismissing it due to that fact. Not sure why I thought that, but it clearly has a linestage as well so I'll have to look into it.

Anyone have experience with both the 9 and the 16 that could chime in on how they compare?

GlennDog

Aside from the previously mentioned, if you're so inclined? . . . I recently pick up a Tubed Cary SLP98 that just knocks it out of the park! Available in both phono and line stage and factory mods are available, if so desired . . . just say'n . . . you won't regret looking into the piece!

G

dbaldus

GlennDog wrote: »

Aside from the previously mentioned, if you're so inclined? . . . I recently pick up a Tubed Cary SLP98 that just knocks it out of the park! Available in both phono and line stage and factory mods are available, if so desired . . . just say'n . . . you won't regret looking into the piece!

G

Figure of speech or knocks the AR16 out of the park? Makes a difference

dbaldus

erniejade - didn't see your comment on the 9 vs 16 earlier. Appreciate the input