SP-9 MKii update question

[microstrip]

(...) replace some of the RCA jacks and maybe a cap or six. Someone did some minor mods, but it's almost stock. ARC made a MKiii update also, so I'm going to see how much I can do. (...)

Rather than punching an iec hole into the chassis, I would recommend either hardwiring a replacement cord from Furutech / Oyaide / Nanotech etc or snipping the original cord a few inches away from the chassis and fixing a decent quality IEC inlet to it, taking care to secure & insulate well. The latter approach will facilitate experimentation with different cords and the amp can always be returned to stock without much hassle.

The unit is already modified and the owner considers big changes - I think that the IEC change is inline with the considered mods.

BTW, I misread mkII for MkIII. The SP9 mk3 sounded much better than previous versions - I owned the original version, did not like it, avoided mk II after listening to it , and only much later tried a mk3 that sounded fuller and less bright than the previous versions. It was also much more solid and better built. IMHO you should research on this upgrade, it is probably worthwhile carrying it

Just to add that in a mk II I would consider the power cable change almost mandatory. I would also consider some full sounding capacitors, particularly if you are going to use it with digital. All IMHO, YMMV.

 

[microstrip]

(...) Even though this has proven to be a PITA to many...

You see, I fully agree! Transporting this very heavy power supply with the preamplifier was like having a ball and chain attached to our foot!

Anyway I never read a technical reason for this procedure.

 

[andromedaaudio]

filter xpe by andromeda61, on Flickr

Hard wired off course , these are my XPE x overs hardwired on HPL plates which has very good electric insulator specs

I never use Printplates,. Indeed a pita to move that psu

 

[microstrip]

ARC's Warren Gehl about after market power cables "(...) are essential to getting the highest performance possible from our reference system and they are key tools for product development". See http://www.audioaficionado.org/showpost.php?p=320982&postcount=3 Surely, just his opinion ...

 

[curiousjim]

The unit is already modified and the owner considers big changes - I think that the IEC change is inline with the considered mods.

BTW, I misread mkII for MkIII. The SP9 mk3 sounded much better than previous versions - I owned the original version, did not like it, avoided mk II after listening to it , and only much later tried a mk3 that sounded fuller and less bright than the previous versions. It was also much more solid and better built. IMHO you should research on this upgrade, it is probably worthwhile carrying it

Just to add that in a mk II I would consider the power cable change almost mandatory. I would also consider some full sounding capacitors, particularly if you are going to use it with digital. All IMHO, YMMV.

I’m going to start with Caps first and tube roll second. Still not keen on altering the metal, but maybe an IEC tail. Who knows. I might shelve the thing and get a Prima Luna.

BTW, thanks for the ideas.

JD

 

[curiousjim]

filter xpe by andromeda61, on Flickr

Hard wired off course , these are my XPE x overs hardwired on HPL plates which has very good electric insulator specs

I never use Printplates,. Indeed a pita to move that psu

I’ll check it out.

Thanks.

JD

 

[curiousjim]

im still using good standard powercables on my gear.
One advantage if mine is broken i dont have to run to the highend shop, i can just take the one from the microwave or coffeemachine.

The cable from the pre amp powersupply to my pre itself is hardwired and i suppose for a reason

lol

jd

 

[curiousjim]

Im still using good standard powercables on my Gear.
One advantage if mine is broken i dont have to run to the highend shop, i can just take the one from the microwave or coffeemachine.

The microwave maybe, but never the coffee maker. This house lives on coffee!

LOL

JD

 

[DaveyF]

ARC's Warren Gehl about after market power cables "(...) are essential to getting the highest performance possible from our reference system and they are key tools for product development". See http://www.audioaficionado.org/showpost.php?p=320982&postcount=3 Surely, just his opinion ...

Sure, but perhaps he is referencing the models that already come with an iec....not the older units that have a hardwired power cable!