Audio Research SP16 Awesome Pre w Tube Phono

Available again -Top quality Audio Research SP16 tube preamp with phono section. Includes remote and original packaging. Excellent condition - I don't see a scratch on it, could be a 9/10, but will rate conservatively. Hate to sell it, but am converting to an integrated. The following is from the ARC website:

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 two 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 six soft-touch buttons, just like the control buttons on the CD3. 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 enamoured of these particular 12AX7s -- which are new production and have only become available in the last few months - 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 eight 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.