Audio Research D-79 Classic Tube Amp, New ARC Tubes, Tested and Perfect

Audio Research D-75 Classic Tube Amplifier With NEW NOS Tubes

Many audiophiles have said that the D-79 is the best amplifier that ARC ever built. With a massive power supply for its modest 75 watts per channel, the D-79 draws 750 watts from the AC line at full output. This amplifier uses a matched pair of 6550 output tubes per side with an additional 6550 as a voltage regulator.  There were 3 versions made over the years and by far, the original, as seen here, has the warmest dynamics as it uses 12AX7 tubes in the input stage.  It is a very warm and rich amplifier so if your looking for super dry and analytical reproduction look elsewhere.  The soundstage is big and wide and works well with Jazz and Vocals.  

This particular sample is as clean as your likely to find. It came to us form the personal collection of a famous speaker maker from the 70’s and I believe this was his reference amplifier used in the design of many speakers, in conjunction with the SP3 also listed on Audiogon.  

The meters look and operate perfectly.  The faceplate is free from any discoloration or scratches.  All knobs and switches work as they should and the metal work is free from any rust or dents.  Really a beautiful looking specimen.  

The industrial design is not for all, but I love the look of it and so do the designers of the latest series from ARC as their top of the line current amplifier is a throwback to this industrial design in both look and feel. 

I have gone thoroughly through this amplifier and made sure its working to spec.  To put the cherry on the cake I installed a super rare and original brand new set of ARC Russian 6550 tubes.  These tubes came in original ARC packaging and were matched at the factory in pair.  What a rare treat!

Included is the original D-79 manual, well preserved, which contains full schematics. 

Amplifier will be double boxed in a McIntosh double carton (well known for building heavy amplifiers) which should ensure safe arrival. 

If you’d like to pick it up, it can be arranged in Ridgewood, NJ or NYC. 

This is a rare and original amplifier in near perfect condition and is priced accordingly.  No lowball offers please.  If this price doesn’t suit your budget you consider the solid state D-110 version which looks identical but uses transistors instead of tube.  I will be listing one shortly.    

WHO WE ARE 

Skyfi.nyc is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning and reselling of select high end audio equipment.  We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about.  No mid-fi, no gimmicks and no junk.  

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the Hifi world.  If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are select about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts and service support.  If you are local and are looking for any new equipment for the above mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

If you would like to make an offer, please don't email or message us unless you are looking to trade something in.  

If we are accepting offers, you will see a button on the listing page to do so.  Please use it, as it is very hard to track offers through email or messaging.  This way, we are all also better protected.   

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal, which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer.  We do not charge extra for any payment fees.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order or wire transfer.  International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition and what accessories are included such as a box, remote, manual, etc.  We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated processors and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to sell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning and packaging the incoming equipment.  If you are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user.  

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market.  Just drop us a note for a quote, but be sure to include the condition and what is included.  

HOW TO VISIT US

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.  

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text  (646) 852-2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate and tune the gear in your listening room if you are in the local area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

Thanks for looking and please send us your email address if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.