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Thanks for your input!

Posted by crooner (A) on September 23, 2006 at 22:06:23

In Reply to: Re: Help me decide! Should I get rid of my of my ARC PH3 phono preamp? posted by MIchael Samra on September 23, 2006 at 21:50:56:

I've recapped and repaired quite a few amps in the past, including McIntosh, Dynaco and Marantz. I've gone the vintage route and had fun tinkering, modding and maintaining the equipment.

However, I find that I have less and less free time. I was thinking that I should devote more time to music listening with contemporary tube gear (yeah, I know I should finish restoring that Sansui 1000A project, oh well!).

I think that ARC gear, while not as romantic and lush like the old classic tube equipment, does many things right. The temptation of a remote controlled tube preamp such as the SP16, intrigues me. Also, quite frankly, I've always purchased my tube stuff used. Never had the thrill of opening a brand new box or anything. Even the PH3, I bought used at Audiogon.

I also have a soft spot for McIntosh, specially the MC275, having owned and restored a couple of originals a few years back. The current model at $3900 is not terribly expensive.

However, the Vandy's are said to work best with ARC, hence my consideration in upgrading with said brand.

The SP3 is a nice unit, even though it has tons of controls and switches in the signal path. A restored unit, I venture, would be nice to have.

So many choices and so little time!

Thanks again for your comments...

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