AUDIO RESEARCH SP 9 MK II TUBE HYBRID PREAMPLIFIER - $[SOLD]
Selling a vintage Audio Research SP-9 MKII vacuum tube hybrid preamplifier for a friend.
This is a highly regarded preamp from a well-known manufacturer. If I did not already have another good-quality preamp, I would definitely be keeping this one.
Usually this units sells for a good bit more, but the asking price reflects the fact that this unit should go in for a checkup prior to any extended play time (further described below).
I believe the asking price is quite fair, particularly in view of the overall condition of this unit.
I might consider some trade at the right value, but I do not have any particular needs as I have a lot of equipment (and tubes) at the moment. Probably vacuum tubes would be of most interest, but feel free to propose something (other than turntable, CD or tuner related) and we can discuss.
Physically, the unit is in nice shape, and would easily rate a 7 on the Audiogon scale.
Functionally, the good news is that the unit passes signal and the sound quality is quite good. There are, however, a couple of functional issues.
First, the various controls are a bit scratchy so they will need to be cleaned.
There is also a left/right imbalance that can be corrected by the balance control. I do not know if this imbalance is related to the control itself, or possibly some component (like a resistor) that may have gone out of spec.
I did not test the phono input (I do not own a turntable), but the 6DJ8 input tube for this section was in good shape (but is only a Chinese version) and did seem to fire up properly when the unit was operated.
The line stage 6DJ8 that came to me with the unit (I believe it was an original tube) was nearly dead, so I switched that out with a different tube and checked the filament voltage. It turns out that the filament voltage running to this tube is high, so I subbed a 7DJ8 for the 6DJ8. Audio Research is known to run their tubes a little hard, so I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to be or if a component (like a resistor) has gone out of spec.
While I am not an expert on the subject, based on the type of functional issues it would seem that all this unit needs is a basic check and tune up. Audio Research also offers an update service for this model as well.
This sale is only for the preamp. I have an electronic copy of the manual that I can provide, but there are no other accessories.
At the asking price, I will include two other good-quality 6DJ8/ECC88 tubes.
More tubes can be made available for an upcharge.
I can provide additional pictures or info on request.
Just for clarification, this ad is only for the preamp. Anything else in the photos is not for sale in this listing.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that this unit is being sold ‘AS IS, WHERE IS’. There are no refunds or returns under any condition.
The unit is available for local demo, which I would recommend prior to purchase.
Cash is always welcome. Payment can also be via money order/cashier’s check/personal check but, except for US Postal Money Orders, all must clear my bank first.
I also accept Paypal for convenience (add 3% to for USA, and 4% for Canada). IF YOU PAY VIA PAYPAL, HOWEVER, A CONDITION OF YOUR PAYMENT IS THAT YOU EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A PAYPAL CLAIM OR CHARGE BACK (but do retain the right to sue me in court should you so desire).
A local sale is strongly preferred; however, I will consider shipping within the USA and Canada. In any case, the buyer is responsible for all shipping charges. In the USA, I would prefer to ship via FedEx ground. I do not have the original box, but I will pack securely.
Please check my feedback on Audiogon and Ebay (ID=baileyler) and buy with confidence.
