The single
greatest requirement of a preamplifier is to amplify the given signal input
without adding or subtracting musical information. This extremely complex,
intricately defined, highly dynamic signal creates heavy demands on a
preamplifier. Only Audio Research preamplifiers so accurately meet these
demands that they transmit the listener beyond the reproduction chain to
experience the "live event".
For optimum
signal amplification the SP-8 utilize vacuum tube audio circuitry. While the
transistor has replaced the vacuum tube in most popular consumer electronics,
the vacuum tube still offers a number of design adventages over solid-state
devices. The vacuum tube has ceratin
unique electrical properties that make it highly attractive for use in quality
audio electronics.
Audio
Research continues to incorporate the vacuum tube in its designs many years
after tube technology was considered impractical. However, experience dictates
that for state-of-the-art. Music reproduction the vacuum tube is difficult to
surpass. Because of its long-term involvement in vacuum tube design Audio
Research is regarded as the leader in
vacuum tube technology.
Features
Automatic
muting for continuous protection
Manual
muting for repeat settings,interruptions, etc.
Front panel
power switch for activating 1600 watt capacity back-chassis, plug-in power
receptacles.
High
accuracy, close tracking segmented gain control
Sonically
selected components for optimum sound performance
Near
military grade construction used throughout.
Specifications
Frequency
Response:
High Level
: + .25 dB; 5 Hz - 30 kHz
Magnetic
Phono : + ,25 dB of RIAA, 30 Hz - 40 kHz
Harmonic
Distortion: less than ,01% at 2V RMS
output, 20 Hz -20 kHz
Input
Impedance: 50 k Ω, all inputs
Noise:
High Level
: 250 µV RMS maximum residual unweighted
wideband noise
Magnetic
Phono : 5 µV maximum equivalent input
noise, wideband RMS
Dimensions
(W x Hx D): 19" x 5,25" x
10,25"