Audio ResearchSP-3a-1usedAudio Research SP-3a-1 Vintage Tube Pre, Serviced by ARAudio Research SP3 all Tube Classic Preamplifier Many consider the SP3 as the best preamp AR every produced. Its classic looks and reliable operation has made this piece a favorite among classic...3499.00

Audio Research SP-3a-1 Vintage Tube Pre, Serviced by AR

Listing ID: lis8hbh2 Classified 
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Condition
8/10
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Ships fromGlen Rock, NJ, 07452
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensionsunspecified
Shipping carrierUPS
Shipping cost$49.00
Original accessoriesBox, Manual
AverageResearch Pricing

Audio Research SP3 all Tube Classic Preamplifier



Many consider the SP3 as the best preamp AR every produced.  Its classic looks and reliable operation has made this piece a favorite among classic collectors.  



This particular sample came from a collector that had ARC restore the unit to better than its original glory.  Since the restoration it sat in the box in a closet for many years.  It has a sticker in the back that reads A-1 and serial number stamping that ends in 2-A.  Im not quite sure what this means but Im sure some savvy reader will chime in. 



I don have the documentation but it looks like AR not only restored it to perfect working condition but they also replace the RCA connectors on the back with very high quality gold plated pieces.  I suspect a call to AR will yield all the details if your interested in finding out.  There is evidence that all power supply caps were replaced as well as all the filter caps in the signal paths. There is also a modern Alps volume potentiometer in place.  It has new bulbs for another 20 years of trouble free operation.  The top cover is the newer high quality type with smaller perforations. 



Cometic condition is the best I’ve ever seen for an SP3.  The top cover is free from rust, the knobs and faceplate are near perfect and the silk screening is intact.  The faceplate is as close to perfect as I’ve seen.   I doubt you’d be able to find a better sample. 



Unit will come in a ARC double box for safe travel. 

Sure there are cheaper units on eBay but none have the provenance, upgrades and service that this unit has.  This is the finest example we have ever come across. 



Available for audition and pickup in my home showroom in Ridgewood NJ. Pickup is also available in Union Square NYC.  



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+ year of experience in the Hifi world.  If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specification it will not be sold.  We are select about the equipment we purchase focusing in mostly analogue high build quality American and European built units which we find to have an incredible long lifespan while maintaining good sonics.  

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.    

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions just 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 would 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 your looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user.  

HOW TO VISIT US

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood NJ.  Your welcomed 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 your just curious as how a speaker or piece of equipped 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.  

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.  


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