Audio ResearchSP-17usedAudio Research SP-17Selling my Audio Research SP17 tube pre-amplifier. This has the optional phono stage. I have really enjoyed this, but I recently had child and am consolidating my audio equipment.There are no opera...1580.00

Audio Research SP-17

Listing ID: lis9h491 Classified 
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Condition
6/10
Payment methods
Ships fromRochester, NY, 14618
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensions18.0" × 11.0" × 23.0" (20.0 lbs.)
Shipping carriersUSPS or UPS
Shipping cost
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Original accessoriesRemote Control, Box, Manual
AverageResearch Pricing

Selling my Audio Research SP17 tube pre-amplifier. This has the optional phono stage. I have really enjoyed this, but I recently had child and am consolidating my audio equipment.

There are no operating issues. Cosmetically, this presents very well from the front. There is a scratch on the left hand side that I have captured in a photo. The only other imperfection that I could find is that the narrow strip of plastic in the remote's battery door is cracked. However, the remote functions perfectly. It's unlikely that you would notice, but I wanted to call it out in full disclosure.

The 6/10 is due to the scratch on the side that I have captured in the photo.

Info:
Externally, the SP17 looks virtually identical to its predecessor, the SP16, with a full-sized 19" front panel, handles, and the same display. The SP17 is completely single-ended with five sets of inputs (labeled Phono, CD, Tuner, Video and Aux), plus a Processor (unity-gain) pass-through. There are two sets of Main single-ended outputs, plus a Tape (monitor) out. There is a 12-Volt trigger, full remote control, and a removable 15A IEC power cord.

Internally, much has been improved. The SP17 features low-noise JFET inputs in both the line- and phono-stages, and instead of 12AX7s you will find a 6H30 in each section – all of our preamplifiers now employ this high performance long-life tube. The same high-voltage regulator found in the LS17 and LS26 is now utilized in the SP17, and so is the same 103-step volume control – the SP16's control had only 70 steps; adjustment of the volume is much finer now, which is especially useful at low volume settings. The maximum input is 9 volts RMS, versus a maximum of only 3.5 volts RMS before overload in the SP16. The SP17 features direct access codes and discrete On-Off commands for power and mute functions for incorporation in a system with a master controller. And, like all of our other preamplifiers, the SP17 is pure Class-A. The line-only SP17L is also available without the phono stage installed.

Bandwidth has increased, with -3dB points below 0.3Hz to above 120KHz. Output impedance has been lowered, improving the SP17's ability to drive long cables and low impedance amplifiers. Gain in the line section has been reduced very slightly, from 11.5 to 11.1dB, but it has been increased in the phono section from 43.5dB to 47dB. The SP17 is 2dB quieter in its line section and is 9dB quieter in its phono section, making it an astonishing 11dB quieter overall. Now it is much easier to use a phono cartridge with an output below 1mV without incurring noise.

What do all of these changes translate to musically? Greater articulation, better image focus and an apparent speed resulting from lower distortion and a lack of smearing. Bass definition and control are improved, and dynamics simply pop.

Questions for the seller
Do you have the factory packaging? Thanks
Yes. This ships in original double box and with the manual.

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