Audio Research SP-16

This (Italics) from ARC:

The SP16 is completely single-ended with five sets of inputs labeled Phono, CD, Tuner, Video and Aux, plus a Processor pass-through. There are 2 sets of main outputs for flexibility, plus a Tape out. The SP16 has a 12-volt trigger to turn on power amplifiers or other equipment, and full remote control of all functions including power, input selection, stereo/mono, volume, and muting. The power cord is our standard removable IEC.

The most important control functions of the SP16 including Power, Mute, Processor, Input select, and Volume Up/Down, are accessible on the right side of the front panel via 6 soft-touch buttons.  On the left side of the front panel (mirroring the control function cutout on the right) is an LED display indicating Input, Processor, Mono, and Mute, with a horizontal row of LEDs underneath numbered 1-20 (lit one at a time) for volume.  In its other physical aspects we have made several changes from the norm while still maintaining the strong Audio Research look. The front panel is 17.75 inches wide and is virtually flush with the chassis sides.

Look inside, and you will see the same beautiful construction quality found in its more costly siblings: the same expensive board material, the same extra-thick copper circuit traces, even the same point-to-point wiring and hand-soldering of parts.  Machined RCA connectors, not cheap imitators.  The SP16 is pure Audio Research, pure Class-A, with all-tube gain in both line and phono stages utilizing three select 12AX7 tubes in each circuit (six total). We are enamored of these particular 12AX7s - not only because of their sonics, but also because they allow the circuit topology to remain simple while providing high-gain.  Circuit highlights include regulated power supplies with a total of 8 high and low-voltage regulators, high-energy storage plate supply, our patented DEC filter cap decoupling, high performance input-selection relays allowing short audio paths, and 70-step digitally-controlled analog-switch volume control with precision tracking.  Dual low-impedance cathode-follower main outputs allow you to easily drive two power amplifiers simultaneously.  Gain for the line inputs is 12dB. Total gain from the phono input to the main outputs is 54dB, suitable for moving-magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges (outputs from 1-5 mV).  

Sonically, the SP16 is pure fun, as it easily unravels fine musical lines, bouncing along with surprising micro and macro-dynamic swings. The soundstage is big, airy and dimensional. Vocals have real body, making Ella, Frank or Diana sound like they're singing just for you. The SP16 is so good that it can be partnered with a vintage D100 or a new VT200MKII and sound glorious either way.  And, it will make the sound come alive when it's used with an A/V processor.

From Seller: 

I am offering my Audio Research SP16 stereo tube preamp with built in phono preamp. It is in great condition and functioning perfectly, and most importantly¾it sounds great. It was a real bargain at retail prices, and a veritable steal at my asking price! Apart from sounding very good - spacious, accurate, dynamic¾this tubed preamp is amazingly quiet. There is absolutely no noise penalty compared to a solid state preamp. If you crave a beautiful, deep soundstage against a remarkably quiet background, then this all tube ARC preamp is for you.

·       is easy to tune to your system with tube rolling (see below)

·       Unlike some of ARC’s offerings, this is all tube gain, reminiscent of vintage ARCs

·       is an up-to-date design that will not require updating, like most vintage ARC units will

·       has a very nice full-function remote control 

·       a nice meld of "classic 12AX7” and ARC’s modern "clean and quiet” sounds

·       will “tame” any Solid-State Power Amp, and mates well with any tube amp.

·       hold its value because it is ARC!

·       amazing build quality, without any concessions to price level.

While specs don't tell nearly the whole story with electronics, the Stereophile test measurements of the SP16L shows the SP16 to be a very well sorted out, low distortion design, befitting preamps of considerably higher price points.

        
I purchased the SP16 used in 2012 from a seller on Audiogon. It has been lightly used in a smoke & pet free environment ever since new. It is in very good condition. The only sign of use is slight unavoidable paint wear on some of the cover screws from changing tubes, and a small scratch on the faceplate (see photos). Conservatively rated 7/10, only because of the one little scratch.

 
Tubes (The pre-amp is shipped without any tubes Installed, to avoid damage in shipment! Included in the original packing for you to install, are the following tube choices:    

1. A complete 6-tube set of EH12AX7 tubes with less than unknown hours use. (These were standard tubes from ARC).

2. Complete 6-tube set (matched) comprised of 4 NOS Amperex Bugle Boys(positions V1, V2, V4, and V5), combined with 2 NOS GE 12AX7 Long Plates (positions V3 and V6). All were purchased from Brent Jessee, who matched the pairs (what he calls ‘Butt Ugly” tubes because the graphics are worn). The Bugle Boys were produced in Holland made in the late 50s. This was my preferred set. It has no more than 1,000 hours and sounded wonderful when I boxed it up.

3. Complete 6-tube set (matched) comprised of 4 Genalex 12AX7 / ECC83tubes (positions V1, V2, V4, and V5), and 2 EH12AX7 tubes (positions V3 and V6). This is a VERY nice option for new, Soviet made tubes. I bought this set just before buying the Bugle Boys/GE set. It has no more than 50 hours use.

4. Two complete sets of 6 JJ Tesla Electronics 12AX7 / ECC83 tubes. I used 3 (marked V4, V5, V6) in my phono stage before buying the NOS Amperex Bugle Boys. All others unused. “This 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tube has a well-balanced, colorful tone with strongly defined lows and mids and smooth highs. It allows for more clean headroom than higher gain 12AX7s.”      

5. 3 ANOS RCA 12AX7A tubes. Highly regarded, tested, but not matched and unknown hours.     

6. A matched pair of highly regarded RCA 12AU7 Cleartops. 12AU7s are lower gain than 12AX7s.

7. An unmatched pair of National 5751 (which I think are rebranded GE Black Plates). Unknown hours.

Also included are the Remote Control, power cord, the original User Manual, with the original "quality assurance" sheet, and the original ARC double-boxes, with all of the original packing.    
Speaking of phono ...the SP16 does have a stellar phono section ... and it can run all but the lowest output moving coil cartridges (see above).  This, coupled with the Processor loop, enable the SP16 to be the control Hub of a complete High-end Analog/Digital Audio/Video System!