$1,099 · Audio Research SP-5 Pre-Amplifier

This is an iconic pre-amp made by Audio Research. It first was released in 1977 which was when I bought it along with the D-100 power amplifier. Also matched with it were Magniplanars Tympani I. Pretty incredible sound for it’s day. The Mag’s and the D-100 are long gone but the SP-5 still performs flawlessly. It’s a beast of a pre-amp both physically and sonically. If you read the provided pic showing the specs you will notice it outputs 10 VMS. It can clip any power amp with that power; but it will utilize all the power of any amp and provide incredible dynamic range. It’s never had to be repaired only the analogue controls received contact lubrication to dissolve oxidation that can coat the contacts causing static or worse intermittency. For $20 dollars I had it done in Victoria by a technician. Instant repair took a couple minutes. Audio Research as you might know only uses the highest quality parts which explains why this equipment can run for near 50 yrs and still show no signs of failing. Looking after your components also helps. Why you might ask am I selling it after so long a time? I could use the money but more significantly I need digital inputs and DAC so I purchased a unit that would fill those needs. Honestly, I miss the knobs which my current component doesn’t have. So that’s it.