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ARC Solid State Monoblock Options

Hello all!

I’ve managed to put together a nice “vintage” ARC system to feed my Thiel CS 3.5’s: LS-7 tubed line-stage, D240 Mk II amp & now a PH-3 tubed phono pre-amp. I’ve been enjoying this system for about 3 months now...it’s my first foray into separates. 

However, the upgrade bug is always there & I am forever thinking about how to make my Thiels sing better. So, my question to you:  would you go with another D240 MK II & run them in mono/bridged mode, or would you go to ARC’s more recent DS450M monoblocks?

I know the DS450’s are Class D design versus the A/B design of the D240. But other than that, not too sure of the sonic differences. 

I went SS on my amps primarily due to the fact that 70% of my listening is Classic Rock/Pop, with classic Jazz & Bossa Nova making up the rest. I prioritized the speed, bottom end slam & definition of SS versus the overall warmth of tube amplification. And, yes, I do know that a classic Krell or Pass or Levinson will work as well, but I’m a matching/synergy kinda’ guy & believe that the rest of my pre- gear is matched quite well with these two possible ARC amps. 

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions!, especially from those of you with a lot of ARC experience!

Arvin
128x128arvincastro
bluesy41
211 posts
 
I owned the DS450M’s monoblock amps for 2 years and didn’t like them. Provided a lot of power 600wpc in a 4ohm load but wasn’t musical at all. I think with ARC you should go with what they do best and that’s tubes. Solid state amps is not their thing IMHO. 

Cheers 
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
If you like the D240 MK II you may want to track down a used D400 MK II or D300.

More power, better sound.

I would avoid the DS series.

I used to own the D240 MkII and liked it
j_stereo
130 posts
 
I agree with don_c55 I had a D300 (never owned a 400) and it was probably the best sounding solid state amp I ever owned and I have owned a few. Wish I never sold it. 
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