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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Great Northern Sound ARC SP14 Reference Plus Preamplifier (Tube) by the analog kid

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REVIEW: Great Northern Sound ARC SP14 Reference Plus Preamplifier (Tube)

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Model: ARC SP14 Reference Plus
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $2,000
Description: Modified ARC SP14 Tubed Preamplifier with Phono
Manufacturer URL: Great Northern Sound
Manufacturer URL: Great Northern Sound

Review by the analog kid ( A ) on September 06, 2006 at 17:20:45
IP Address: 71.206.105.208
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for the ARC SP14 Reference Plus


About two years ago I parted out most of my reference system (due to financial reasons), and purchased an ARC SP-14 preamp to "tide me over." I run entirely phono, and had been using a (much beloved) Art Audio Vinyl 1 with volume control, but was looking for something reasonably inexpensive that would also allow me to run tuner if I wanted. I scored an SP14 for around $1K in GREAT condition off of Audiogon. At first hookup, it sounded GOOD but not special, kind of sterile and flat to my ears. But the cool thing about the 14 is that it's a very simple circuit, and with only the one tube (in the phono section - the other circuits are ENTIRELY solid state) to "roll," I could play with tubes rather easily with HUGE sonic results. Swapping in a ring-getter Bugle Boy, I was astounded by the improvement and the overall quality of sound. Suddenly my "budget" pre - an almost 20-year old unit - was looking (sounding) like a great investment.

As time passed, I became increasingly attached to my little 14, but also smitten with the idea of "upgrading." For about a year I debated, then finally took the plunge, and sent it to Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound Company. We had a LONG conversation, and I was incredibly impressed - not just by his down-to-earth manner, friendliness, and knowledge, but by the fact that he consistently was interested in what I wanted - NOT what cost the most. In fact, in some instances, mods that I thought might improve things (like a new tube socket) - and that I was willing to pay for - he dissuaded me from, noting that they wouldn't do much for the 14. In my experience, people who argue AGAINST their own profit-making are generally high integrity folks.

We ended up taking my 14 as far as possible without just tearing out the innards and doing a different design. We basically agreed to play with it - Let's see how far we can take it!!?? Steve replaced the power supply caps, internal wiring (Siltech), RCA connectors, solder, etc. - basically everything that was old or could be improved was changed. He put special attention into the phono stage, doing everything possible to take it to the highest level. PLUS, Steve converted the unit to dual mono with stepped attenuators - using the two left-side knobs for the two channels.

It took many weeks (8-10) and $2,000. The result is truly anomalous - I mean, I KNOW I could never get my "money out of it" - it's now a one-off, truly unique piece, but it's kind of cool to have a one-of-a-kind unit. I guess it's the audio equivalent of a customized hot rod - never worth what you put into it, but....SPECIAL.

And then it was done! It arrived, and Steve called, telling me that it was RIDICULOUS how great it sounded. I plugged it in, let it warm up for a day, then started listening. I was STUNNED. I haven't had any "ultra" high end pre's in my system - in the past, I've had an AI Modulus 3A, an ARC PH3SE, and EAR 834, and the Vinyl 1 - but NOTHING has come close to this baby. On every stereotypical audiophile dimension it ROCKS: dynamics, transient response, frequency range (pristine highs, earth-shaking lows), tonal richness, naturalness of sound. In comparative terms - that is, the differences between before and after the mod - the biggest changes were: MUCH lower noise (manifest in ultra "black" background), more tonal richness, more inner detail, and radically expanded frequency extension.

So, this may or may not be of interest to you folks. It's not everyone who wants to have an old preamp modded, when so many fantastic new units are available. But I have to say, working with Steve Huntley was a pleasure from start to finish. The guy even sent me three different company stick-on "badges" to choose from to put on the faceplate or back, depending on my preference. And my old 14 is now a rip-roaring, rocking, INCREDIBLE sounding phono pre with dual stepped attenuators and pretty much new everything.


Product Weakness: No weaknesses in the product; but owner must be willing to part with unit for a fair amount of time.
Product Strengths: Truly one-of-a-kind unit, phenomenal build quality, incredible sound from top-to-bottom; rivals anything under $5K. Working with Steve Huntley is a distinct and unique pleasure.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Marsh A400s
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): GNSC Reference ARC SP14
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Basis 1400/Origin Live RB250
Speakers: Aerial 7b
Cables/Interconnects: Nirvana SL, Black Sand PCs
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Rock, Female Vocal
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 11 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments: RPG Diffusors
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 Months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster HTS5000
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Home audition




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Topic - REVIEW: Great Northern Sound ARC SP14 Reference Plus Preamplifier (Tube) - the analog kid 17:20:45 09/6/06 ( 9)