Audio Research REF 80S Reviews/Comparisons
Classic 120 mono blocks - Played much stronger and more dynamic than their modest 110 wpc rating. I found them very musical and enjoyed immensely for about 2-3 years.
REF 150 (nonSE) - This was an upgrade in all aspects. I only sold due to the next entry
GSi75 - This was a diversion I made last year as simplification gained priority in my mind and I loved the aesthetics of this masterpiece being center stage on my shelf. I still believe it is a phenomenal integrated for someone that has efficient speakers, which I do not(89db).
REF 75SE - This amp is far superior compared to the GSi75. I find its power more comparable to the REF 150. I wish I had them to A-B. I was happy with the REF 150 and I am happy with this.
I am in no hurry to get a REF 80S...maybe in a few years when it is replaced with an SE model and the price comes down on the S.
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@fsonicsmith - thanks for the update. My 80S has several hundred hours on it. The sound will get even more refined. I think the lower bass registers even tightened up too. ARC made numerous circuit changes in the 80S. Perhaps a very important one is the auto-biasing function. Maybe the KT-150s operate in closer sync because the bias of each push-pull tube is more tightly aligned. That is just a guess. Please report back after you rack up more hours. BIF
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A provisional update :-), the Ref 80S is sounding fine. Very fine. I am at 65 hours so I have a ways to go and the route was fairly choppy along the way. Never terrible but often just so-so and primarily lacking in bass snap. Today, Steely Dan's "Everything Must Go" and John Doe's new (and excellent) album "Fables in a Foreign Land" are deeply satisfying. Based upon my impressions so far the 80S has a bit softer but no less detailed sound than the Ref 150 SE. The 150 SE strikes me based upon memory as having a more "scientifically precise" sound with just a touch of dryness compared to the 80S. The 150 SE is a powerhouse and when called for it will push out bass that hits you in the gut with satisfying decay and tautness that I am still not quite getting with the 80S. But I love the sound of well-recorded electric bass guitar and on the new John Doe album I am smiling from ear to ear at how totally natural the timbre and tone of the bass sounds-something I did not get with the 150 SE. The sound of the drum toms sounds more timbrally (not really a word) correct too with the 80S. But best of all, I felt a slight nit-pick was in order with my Devore 0/93's in the upper midrange where things could sound a bit course and unnatural that I attributed to the design of the Devores. Now I question that conclusion-that perception is gone with the 80S! |
@fsonicsmith excellent writeup, thank you. |
- 44 posts total