Audio Research 75 SE

Well I sent my Ref 75 back for the upgrade and just got it back today.. Its been on for two hours and I have to say I really like it much better than before. I used the KT 150 for a couple months before sending in for the upgrade( shh! Don't tell anyone) and I tell you the improvement is substantial. The first thing I notice is how cleaned up the sound is especially in the upper registers. Much more open.. Its funny when you think you're hearing everything and then you find out there was still another veil that could still be removed.. Seems like a slightly increase in tonal richness in the mids as well. Smoother top to bottom, more coherent.. There you have it my initial impression.. I'll keep you posted the night is young.

Cool, Carey. Good move. where else can you get that kind of improvement for two grand? My understanding is ... we are not really hearing the improvements until the 200 hour mark.

Sounds great!! I've been meaning to go to dinner but I'm having a hard time pulling myself away..This is just what I needed:-) No regrets here. Just one more cut then I have to go, Ha!

Thanks for the reports guys. I'm leaning in favor of doing the SE upgrade.

Just concerned that the next bottleneck will turn out to be speakers. Kal said the Ref 150 SE will work magic with the Maggie 3.7i speaakers. But room size (room height and length), room effects and time coherence are a still problems. The DEQX can fix a lot, but not room height and length. The Maggies are 6' tall I think. My room is 7' feet high.

Also, the Maggies are not bass rumblers. May need a sub.

Thanks again guys.

Please keep the comments coming. Your SEs will need time to tome to break in, even the Ref 75 that was upgraded at the factory.

Btw, Carey ... how long did it take ARC to do the turn around the SE upgrade?

Bruce

The amp was done in about a week..But I waited another week for the SE badges to come in.. Expect a week to 10 days I'd say.