Audio Research SP-12 preamplifier

 

Audio Research Preamplifier

The SP-12 is a musically accurate, High Definition wide bandwidth, vacuum tube preamplifier offering the  serious music enthusiast uncompromised performance. With proper attention to set up the SP-12 can be placed in virtually any quality audio system, from the least costly to the most sophisticated without compromise in system performance. The SP-12 appeals to a variety of music lovers,, from the enthusiast experiencing high quality sound reproduction for the first time to the most seasoned audiophile.

Four Critical performance Areas:

Harmonic Integrity - Audio Research preamplifiers provide the listener with a unique sense of "harmonic rightness". Delicate harmonic structures essential to musical accuracy remain wholly intact, creating a musical performance with a sense of "aliveness".

Clarity - Providing a clarity of sound that immediately  impresses the listener. Audio Research  preamplifier are totally absent of the "heaviness" or "veling" of sound present in other designs. There is also a notable lack of "hardness", "edge" and "grain" that masks fine detail in other preamplifiers.

High Definition - While other preamplifiers obscure important musical information, Audio research preamplifiers reproduce all of the subtle colors, shadings and ambient detail that create the illusion of a "you are there" performance. The Sp-12 efforlessly sort through complex musical material placing every instrument and voice onto the proper acoustic stage. This High Definitionquality is a hallmark of all Audio Research products.

Dynamic Expression - Audio Research preamplifiers excel in reproducing a musically accuarte dynamic range.  Highly stable power supplies and essentially overload-proof output sections result in preamplifiers that reproduce the quietest notes to the loudest and most  complex musical passages. Separation of instruments and voices remains intact at every level without "smearing" or collapse of sound field.

 

Features

Front panel muting for repeat settings, interruptions, etc.

Front panel power switch for activating back-chassis, plug-in power receptacles

High accuracy, close tracking, segmented gain control

Sonically selected components for optimum sound performance

Optional rack mount and automatic mute version available

Near military grade construction used throughout

 

Specifications:

Frequency Response:

High Level :   5 Hz - 30 Hz, +5 dB

Magnetic Phono :  30 Hz to 20 kHz,  +25 dB of RIAA

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,02% 2V RMS output

Input Impedance: 

Phono :  50 k Ω

High Level :  100 k Ω

Noise:

High Level :  250 µV RMS (max residual unweighed wideband noise)

Magnetic Phono :  5 µV (max equivalent input noise, wideband RMS)

Tube Complement:  5 x ECC88 / 6DJ8

Dimensions (W x H x D):  15,6" x 4,5" x 8,9" (19" W with optional rack mount front panel)

Weight:  4,1 kg (9 lbs)