In a nod to a new generation of younger consumers, Audio Research has given the SP20 an 11cm touch screen so lucky owners can toggle between the models seven inputs comprising a single phono, four unbalanced and two unbalanced. The screen allows switching between stereo and mono modes, channel balance and phono impedance loadings-50Ω, 100Ω, 500Ω, 1kΩ or 47kΩ.

An audio visual screen without access to ‘Settings’ mode would be considered passé these days. The SP20’s screen lets you fiddle with input names, select a gain for specific inputs, alter volume presets, boost or lower the screen’s brightness and most importantly keep an eye on valve wear.

A dedicated icon glows red alerting owners that 4000 hours have elapsed and its time to get new tubes.

Even the headphone section is typically 'AR' who has ensured it delivers less noise and more detail. It will also match the impedance of a lot of headphone models.

'The new SP20 with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, will easily drive your tube or solid-state amplifier,’ Synergy Audio's CEO, Philip Sawyer told StereoNET.

Sawyer also points out the SP20 has no negative feedback, employs seven levels of voltage regulation, has a hefty power supply, and a very low-noise R-core power transformer. The line and phono stages feature low-noise JFET inputs and 6H30 valves in the output. The frequency response is specified as being 0.8Hz–220kHz ±1.5dB.

Available now, the Audio Research SP20 retails for $11,995 and comes with a three-year warranty.

For further information, please contact Synergy Audio Visual