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ARC Ref-300 or 600 or 210: Which sounds best ?

Hi,
I currenty have an Oracle CD-Transport, a Jadis JS1 D/A converter, ARC Ref2 MkII Preamp, ARC VT150 Monos, Triangle Magellan Grand Concert and two Triangle Meteor 0.4 subwoofer.
I will upgrade the ARC Ref2 MkII preamp to a ARC Ref5.
Regarding the Monos I would like to know which one is SONICALLY best at low or medium gain levels: the old 300 or 600 or the new 210? I am well aware of the many differencies between these three models regarding age, max output level, power consumption, weight and size, number of tubes,...
In terms of price they are (as used equipment) somehow comparable (all three are in the 10-14k$ range for the pair).
But which one SOUNDS best??
I anyone has personal experience with two or three of these models in comparison I am thankful for sharing it.
Thanks a lot in advance!
ozatschek
ozatschek OP
12 posts
 
Lostbears, thanks a lot! You and Hifigeek1 give me confidence that going for the Ref 210s will be the right decision (especially given the Ref-5 being the preamp).
In terms of weight, heat, measures, number of tubes, power consumption... I am not unhappy with going for the 210s and not for the 600s (or 300s).
Looking forward to this weekend, where I will replace the
Ref2MkII with a Ref-5 (having been used already 300 hours,
so i tshould be burned in by now...).
Thanks again!
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
If you do not need all the power, go with Ref110. Not only cheaper, but overall sounds better in a medium sized room than Ref210 IMO.

Ref 110 + Ref 5 combo is amazing. Or better yet - Ref Anniversary + Ref110 - this is a killer combo (and only $5k more than Ref 5 + Ref 210 ...).

(ex. Ref 3 + Ref 110 owner here - moved to darTZeel since, but thinking of going back !).
6550c
393 posts
 
Well, if the VS115 sounds as good or better than the VT100, then it is all I would need to be 100% happy. Then I could just worry about speakers and digital players . :)
basile
11 posts
 
Hi Lostbears,
Could you please desrcibe vs115 is not as good as Ref 110
i own a vs 115 mated with LS26 , PH7 and proac d28 and i have always liked the idea to bi amp in order to improve soundstage
Thanks in advance
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