Audio Research is one of the most dependable brand names when it comes to high-end audio systems. For years the brand has been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world as equipment that delivers clear and consistent quality in music.

What are the specs for the Audio Research SP-8?

Frequency Response:
High level section: ±.25dB, 5Hz to 30kHz. -3dB points below 1Hz and above 100kHz. Magnetic phono: ±.25dB of RIAA, 30Hz to 40kHz
Distortion:
Harmonic distortion: Less than .01% at 2V RMS output, 20Hz to 20kHz (Typically less than .0005% in midband). Intermodulation distortion: Less than .002% at 2V RMS output
Noise & Hum:
High level: (1) 250µV RMS maximum residual unweighted wideband noise at main output with gain control minimum (86dB below 5V RMS output) (2) More than 90dB below 1V RMS input (less than 20µV equivalent input noise). Magnetic phono: 5µV equivalent input noise, wideband RMS (-66dB reference 10mV input) (Approximately 1µV above 200Hz or -80dB reference 10mV input)
Gain:
Magnetic phono input to tape output: 34dB. Magnetic phono input to main output: 60dB. High level inputs to tape output: 0dB. High level inputs to main output: 26dB.
Input Impedance:
50K ohms, all inputs (Magnetic phono may have any value from 10 ohms to 100K ohms substituted. Also has provision to add to the 40pF input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges.)
Output Impedance:
1000 ohms main output and tape output. Recommended minimum load for maximum audio quality 20K ohms and .001µF maximum capacitance.
Output Polarity:
-
Maximum Inputs:
Magnetic phono, 900mV at 1kHz. (3.5V RMS, 10kHz) High level inputs essentially overload-proof.
Rated Outputs:
2V RMS 5Hz to 30kHz, all outputs; 60K ohm load (main output capability is 60V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz into 100K ohm load with 3V RMS high level input)
Power Supplies:
Electronically-regulated supplies utilizing both vacuum tube and solid state elements. Line regulation better than .01%
Tube Complement:
SP-8 MKI: (2) 12AX7, (3) 12AX7, (2) 6922, (1) 12BH7. SP-8 MKII: (2) 12AX7, (2) 12AX7, (2) 6922, (1) 12AT7, (1) 12BH7
Power Requirements:
100-125VAC 60Hz (190-240VAC 50Hz) 60 Watts
Dimensions:
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10¼" (26 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm).
Weight:
22 lbs. (10 kg) Net: 30 lbs. (13.75 kg) Shipping

What else to know about the Audio Research SP-8?

Tube stereo preamplifier with phono stage introduced in 1981 with an MSRP of $1,495.

Brief History of Audio Research

Other Audio Research Products We Often Buy

Typically, StereoBuyers purchases mostly used amplifiers, especially the vintage amps and high-end Audio Research models.

StereoBuyers has purchased tens of thousands worth Audio Research brand equipment since 2014, with individual buys ranging from $100 to well over $50,000. If you are moving, ready to upgrade, or have Audio Research equipment you do not or will not be using, why not contact us today to find out if it is worth good money?

If you are interested in selling your used Audio Research equipment to us in the greater NYC area or Colorado, please click here to fill out a Free Quote Form and we will get back to you. If we agree on terms, we come to meet you where you want, and pay cash.

The following images show actual Audio Research equipment purchased by StereoBuyers.