Audio Research Question

jbreezy5 · October 2023

Want to get opinions on preferred amplifier pairings with Audio Research preamps on more classic lines (e.g. models prior to the use of the 6h30 tube).

For example, LS25 uses 6922s, SP16 uses 12ax7s. These models, or older, are what I’m interested in, but remote controllable only would be considered.

What Audio Research preamp would you choose, and what amp would you pair with it?

F1nut · October 2023

I had to opportunity to compare the LS26 to the Joule LA100 MKII. I was surprised at how close they sounded, especially considering the different tubes used. The only notable difference was the Joule's bass, which was slightly stronger. Both were connected to a Manley tube amp for the comparison.

invalid · October 2023

F1nut wrote: »

I had to opportunity to compare the LS26 to the Joule LA100 MKII. I was surprised at how close they sounded, especially considering the different tubes used. The only notable difference was the Joule's bass, which was slightly stronger. Both were connected to a Manley tube amp for the comparison.

The joule is a nice piece of kit, especially with the price difference.

jbreezy5 · January 16

Received delivery of a SP16L today. Swapped out the old EH 12ax7s for some new matched Tung-Sol 5751s.

Only briefly listened on Boston Acoustics CR55s for testing so far.

Will be using it in HT bypass mode > Butler Audio TDB-5150 > Legacy Victorias.

audioluvr · January 17

Dude it's been 30 minutes and no review? WTF!

VR3 · January 17

Beautiful piece! Can't help but notice they forgot to install 33% of the circuit board, may be worth a call! I jest! 😁

I've stumbled across audio research many time and always enjoyed what I heard

jbreezy5 · January 17

VR3 wrote: »

Beautiful piece! Can't help but notice they forgot to install 33% of the circuit board, may be worth a call! I jest! 😁

I've stumbled across audio research many time and always enjoyed what I heard

True. When I get “old” (whatever that means) and don’t have to work anymore, I’ll probably wish the phono section was there.

Emailed Audio Research to see if it’s possible to buy handles. I like the lab tech look 👀 of AR.

pitdogg2 · January 17

jbreezy5 wrote: »

Received delivery of a SP16L today. Swapped out the old EH 12ax7s for some new matched Tung-Sol 5751s.

Let me guess, new stock Russian Tung-Sol 5751's?

jbreezy5 · January 17

pitdogg2 wrote: »

jbreezy5 wrote: »

Received delivery of a SP16L today. Swapped out the old EH 12ax7s for some new matched Tung-Sol 5751s.

Let me guess, new stock Russian Tung-Sol 5751's?

It’d be pretty difficult to manage finding a truly matched set NOS; not to mention costlier than the preamp itself.

These are my favorite sounding 12ax7-ish new production variant. I’m happy with them.

jbreezy5 · January 19

I read about the fabled and amazing support for past products from Audio Research. Now I’m experiencing it firsthand.

The communication regarding my inquiries has been lightning fast. Super-impressive support from AR.

Considering that the SP16L is approx. 20+ years old, it is amazing that AR still sells ancillary upgrades; particularly, they have both silver and black handles for the preamp at a low price (by audiophile standards) of $150/pr.

While they no longer have the SP16L remote, they still have the SP17L remote which is otherwise identical and available for $50.

Old school service at its finest.

Emlyn · January 19

Impressive service indeed.

jbreezy5 · January 19

@pitdogg2

If I were to try some older variants of 5751s or 12ax7s, what would you recommend I hunt for?

pitdogg2 · January 19

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204616951163

https://www.ebay.com/itm/156011648942?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/156011648944?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186228108061

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115903927305?

You just need to keep an eye out. I've bought both 5751-12ax7 NOS off ebay in the last year really reasonable, less that $70 delivered. Most were in the $40-50 range.
I've also bought NOS Raytheon triple mica windmill getters in the same price range.
2021 I bought several CBS 3 mica 5751 super hard to come by for less than $80 each.
As I do not know your flavor you will need to try different tubes to find it. They out there and can still be had for very reasonable prices considering they are close to 70yrs old now.

Keep in mind the 7025 tube is also an option, I've been snatching them up as well. In many cases a super quiet tube.

Personally I stay away from GE, my ears do not like them. They are super plentiful and mostly a lot less than others. YMMV

erniejade · January 26

I had an SP16L for a while. I paired it up with everything from a Rollan Modified Sunfire Sig II to a McIntosh MC402. The one amp I did not like it on was an old Adcom GFA555. I found a warmer amp with the SP16 is a good match up.

It is a super clean preamp and responds well to tube rolling. My faves were 50's Tung Sol that I got from either Vintage Tube Services or Brent Jessee.

My fav amp with that pre was the Sunfire sig II 625X2 that @vcwatkins I think still uses.

jbreezy5 · January 26

erniejade wrote: »

I had an SP16L for a while. I paired it up with everything from a Rollan Modified Sunfire Sig II to a McIntosh MC402. The one amp I did not like it on was an old Adcom GFA555. I found a warmer amp with the SP16 is a good match up.

It is a super clean preamp and responds well to tube rolling. My faves were 50's Tung Sol that I got from either Vintage Tube Services or Brent Jessee.

My fav amp with that pre was the Sunfire sig II 625X2 that @vcwatkins I think still uses.

Called Andy to get a quote on some ‘50s Tung-Sol 5751s.

Going to hook-up the SP16L soon to my Niles, B&K, and Butler Audio amps in the near future for some comparisons.

Trying to shake the bad head cold that’s been going around.

Thanks for the recommendations!

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