Audio Research's New Stereo Preamplifier

[JBT]

Audio Research's new SP20 tube stereo preamplifier ($9000) combines a full-function linestage and phono stage, and includes a hi-resolution tube-driven headphone output, touchscreen control, remote control, and both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. The front panel echoes the Minnesotan company's fabled SP3 preamps from the 1970s. Listening to the company's first preamp in 20 years to include both a linestage and phonostage via Sonus faber Olympica III loudspeakers, I heard both the classic Audio Research midrange and a fast response that served bebop extremely well. Bob Reina is working on an SP20 review for Stereophile.


Audio Research's New Stereo Preamplifier | Stereophile.com

[2fastdriving]

I borrowed one for a week. Didn't like the front display and controls - it is extremely frustrating. When you turn the selector knob, you can feel detents behind it, but nothing happens until you go past like 10 clicks, and then the display is sluggish.

Great sound, poor user experience.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I borrowed one for a week. Didn't like the front display and controls - it is extremely frustrating. When you turn the selector knob, you can feel detents behind it, but nothing happens until you go past like 10 clicks, and then the display is sluggish.

Great sound, poor user experience.

Touch screen?? No way!! Trying to be too fancy.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by JBT

Touch screen?? No way!! Trying to be too fancy.

+1

[Harbapapa]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I borrowed one for a week. Didn't like the front display and controls - it is extremely frustrating. When you turn the selector knob, you can feel detents behind it, but nothing happens until you go past like 10 clicks, and then the display is sluggish.

Great sound, poor user experience.

Did you compare its sound to your Ref5se?

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Harbapapa

Did you compare its sound to your Ref5se?

Not directly. Demo'd them different weeks. I don't think it's on the same level, but it does cost less and include headphone an phono features. It's a good sounding unit, but anyone considering one should play with its interface first. I personally found it unacceptable.

Arc doesn't make anything that doesn't sound good, I have their cheapest product, the LP1, and it's a fine sounding phono pre.

[jdandy]

JBT.......Sorry, but I can't get past that homely face. No way would I place that in any of my racks. Audio Research makes some fabulous gear but this component is a complete turn off for me.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by jdandy

JBT.......Sorry, but I can't get past that homely face. No way would I place that in any of my racks. Audio Research makes some fabulous gear but this component is a complete turn off for me.

Dan, I have an ARC system in the game room and it is great!!! But this is a step too far IMO!!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jdandy

JBT.......Sorry, but I can't get past that homely face. No way would I place that in any of my racks. Audio Research makes some fabulous gear but this component is a complete turn off for me.

Ugh.

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

JBT.......Sorry, but I can't get past that homely face. No way would I place that in any of my racks. Audio Research makes some fabulous gear but this component is a complete turn off for me.

Sorry…but it looks like a Sony HAP-Z1ES.