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Audio Research Reference 6 or Mark Levinson Reference n32

Hi all, 
I own a ML Ref n32 preamp with the phonostage. I am very tempted to buy the audio research reference 6, replacing ML 32, but I'm afraid to regret the splendid performance of the ML 32.

Did any of you have a chance to compare? What advice do you feel to give me?
I listen only vinyl and if I'll buy the ARC Ref6 I'll need a pre phono..

128x128haine
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Stick with the ML 32! It is, as you've found, a superb sounding preamp! A tube preamp like the ARC 6 will need future tube replacement - and on the way there will only decline in sound quality! That is the real nature of vacuum tubes (contrary to what the "golden ears" say!). Cathode emissions inevitability decline with use and noise increases. And the quality of present day tube production is NOT as good as old NOS tubes! 
haine's avatar
haine OP
3 posts
 
Thank you roberjerman for your opinion.
The ML 32 its a very neutral preamp, detailed and refined.
I do not think it will be easy to replace it, but the ARC REF 6 had caught my attention.. :-)


larryi
3,991 posts
 

I own a 32 preamp too.  It is currently on loan to a friend.  I now use a tube linestage and separate phono stage, but, the linestage is a custom-built job so it cannot really be compared to anything.  The other linestage that I own is a Emotive Audio Epifania, which is also fairly exotic.  Both tube linestages are more "vivid" sounding and deliver a more enveloping soundstage, but, neither have the incredible flexibility and convenience of the Levinson.  The Levinson sounds good--very smooth and poised-- but, it is a little on the dark and dull side. 


You might like a high end tube linestage, but, if I were you, I would look at a lot of different alternatives.  There is a much wider variety of sounds with tube gear than with most solid state stuff; including tube gear that sounds leaner and meaner and rougher than top solid state stuff (don't fall for the tube-gear-is-warm-and-euphonic line, it can be just the opposite).

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