SP-2B IS OUT-OF-PRODUCTION

WE HAVE  UPDATES for all SP series preamplifier models - The following are upgrades to your SP-1*/2/2B - these are not complete new products. They are updates to your preamp.

Elite Upgrade -

• New audio output stage coupling cap is used for a superbly natural, musical sound quality.
• We inspect the signal ground system and make improvements as needed.
• Operating points are updated for more linear audio stage operation.
• Additional RFI reduction techniques are added for our new age of the “Wi-Fi everywhere”.
• Grid resistors are checked for best value and replaced as needed.
• B+ voltage power supply capacitors are upgraded to great sounding Audio Grade capacitors.
• Even the filament supply caps are new and many preamps will be upgraded to Schottky rectifiers for the filament supply.
• Simplified power supply operation results in a more relaxed, open quality and an enhanced sense of wide-band linearity.

AND THE SOUND: You enjoy stunning dynamics while maintaining clarity, great purity and background detail at high volumes. Oh those background vocals, those micro-details emerging from the din of full orchestration, the delicacy of details along with their warmth is on full display. Enjoy sound that’s stunningly clear with sumptuous tone like the real thing.

This Elite Level Upgrade is $599 installed. >>>> As you know the SP series preamps were sold over a number of years so when we refer to “as needed” it just means that some may have various minor upgrades already.<<<<

Ultra Upgrade - A more complete mod is available. It has all the improvements of the 1st level.

• Premium rectifiers are used for the B+ power supply and higher current Schottky rectifiers are used for the heater voltage.
• New, larger caps are used in some of the heater supply.
• Top line resistors are used strategically for a more liquid, 3D sound.
• The ‘Direct Input’ and one pair of ‘Main Output’ RCA jack pair are switched to the superb Gold_Plated copper base type(optionally others can be replaced).
• An audio quality IEC connector replaces the original standard type.

This is a very thorough mod with many, many new parts.   

Ultra Upgrade is $699 installed. Compare this to the best preamps out there. You’ll be impressed.

“Off Menu” Upgrade - a mesmerizing experience. I guess it is “On Menu” now.

• All the upgrades of the Ultra level
• Audio Grade Power supply caps where reasonably applicable
• A little secret tweak for even more power supply stability

“Off Menu” upgrade - $799

*SP-1 preamps may require additional services to be fully up-to-date.

You may have custom preferences. For instance you might prefer your favorite RCA jacks and/or IEC socket, request new tubes, etc.

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The following is the original description of the SP-2B as published on our website. It is here for reference.

New: Latest "Special Plate" Sovtek 6922 tube, Elite & Platinum versions, too

The Musical Design SP-2B is the successor to the superb SP-1 and SP-2 preamps. Each was a well reviewed and highly regarded design. Years of painstaking research with vacuum tube circuits establishes the foundation of the SP-2B. 

The Design: An unusual, single-stage, non-feedback configuration is used. The extremely simple design with very few parts in the signal path is, in part, responsible for the purity of the SP-2B. The active gain stage is an all-tube design with a minimum of "copper on glass" signal path. The sophistication of Musical Design components is revealed in the superb detailing and transparency, that is never accompanied by harshness. The careful 'selection by ear' of all passive and active components results in breathtaking transparency and naturalness.

The Sound: The SP-2B fulfills the dream of an affordable, yet extraordinarily natural, smooth and transparent preamp. A single stage tube amplifier with no feedback opens a new world of transparent and liquid sound. The soundstage is wide, deep and open without identifiable ‘shaping’ or ‘truncation’ of lesser designs. The wide dynamic range portrays thunderous crescendos as well as the most delicate instrumental shadings. The simple, but elegant thrill of the SP-2B is that it transports you to the excitement of the live performance!

The Models: The SP-2B standard model sets high sonic standards for units that normally sell for three times the price and more. The latest Elite versions offer upgrade paths to performance levels equaling that of any high-end audio preamplifier at any price!

• Elite version opens a new world of BIG powerful sound. Exotic PEC volume control, OFC RCA jacks, more
• Elite Ultra version opens a new world of transparency. Exotic TaN resistors, OFC RCA jacks, more
• Signature has PEC volume control, OFC RCA jacks, more
• Class-A, SRPP Vacuum Tube circuit is a single stage with low distortion and no feedback
• Single-Stage, Two Tube Design has incredible simplicity for the best sound
• Dual ‘Main Out’ jacks simplify bi-amp/dual-amp operation
• ‘Direct/Source’ switch maintains great signal purity with your finest source
• Regulated ‘B+’ and ‘Heater’ power supplies with separate B+ regulators for each channel
• 18 Gold-Plated, Teflon® insulated RCA jacks on all inputs/outputs
• IEC Power cord socket for hi-end power cords
• On command Signal Muting, plus 30 seconds auto-muting after turn-on

Suggested List Prices: 

SP-2B -

SP-2B Elite -  

You choose Black or Silver faceplate

Accessories: 

Matched Pair of ElectroHarmonix or JJ 6922 tubes - $89

Matched Pair of Special NOS 6922 tubes - call

Specifications:

Frequency Response: ±3dB, 0.05Hz to 160KHz

Distortion, THD: less than 0.1%, 20Hz to 20KHz, 2 volts RMS output

Tube Complement: Two 6922 dual triode

Dimensions: 19W x 12D x 3.75H, 20LB.

Teflon® is a registered trademark of E. l. DuPont