Audio Research SP-10 MkII

Here we have a Audio Research SP-10 mk2 (last of the Mk Rev) preamp in excellent cosmetic condition. There is plenty of information on the internet regarding this famous preamp so I won’t go into much detail. Basically, it’s one of the finest preamps Audio Research ever made, with an excellent phono section and line stage for CD’s. The soundstage this preamp produces is best described like the band is right there playing right in front of you, warm, smooth and detailed. I was listening to Led Zeppelin’s "No Quarter" which I have many live versions and know all very intimately, when played through this setup, it was like Mr. Jones was right there in my listening room, his keyboard performance was like liquid, the realism this preamp projects is just unbelievable! This Audio Research SP-10 mk2 is a classic tube preamp much like the Marantz 7 or McIntosh C-22 and it will retain its value and increase over time as these 3 preamps are regarded as the Top 3 Best Classic Preamp’s of all time!

On to the Specs: The layout is a dual mono design and it’s also designed to accept most moving coil cartridges direct. If the moving coil cartridge is rated at 200-400 microvolts the unit can handle that cartridge without a step-up device. The preamp also has a bypass switch dedicated to the phono circuit where it bypasses all other circuits and feeds the phono section directly. It’s an all tube unit in both the power supply and audio sections. The unit is all original with no modifications since it left the factory. The tubes are brand new out of stock AR Tubes installed in 2014 with less than 40 hours. It has not been used since except for testing before this listing. This unit has rare black faceplates which were an additional $250 option when the unit was built. This is a very late model of this preamp...it’s an original mk2 version and the best way to tell is by looking at the eight 6dj8 tubes in the audio section, mk2 units will have a 4 inch long litz wires running from the third set of tubes back towards the back of the chassis. Again, condition wise, it’s in excellent condition.

The unit does not have the wooden case anymore as it was sold years ago.  Also, I do not have the original boxes, I may have the manual. Everything works fine and the unit sounds great. I am the 2nd owner, as the original owner was a highly known Audiophile in the Cali area. Shipping is included in the price and it will be shipped fully insured. NO INTERNATIONAL SALES.. Continental USA (48 state) sales only. PayPal sales only. No Trades