2. amps-preamps
  3. 191411-189245

McIntosh MC312 vs. ARC Reference 150

Greetings!

I am very happy with my Mac MC312 power amp but the other day, on a whim (this darn hobby does that to you sometimes…) I purchased a used ARC Reference 150 (non-SE) tube amp. (The amp had the KT120 tubes replaced just 150 hrs ago.)

I am not planning to replace the Mac, but perhaps switch them in and out. (On a whim means I don’t really have a plan…)

Either way I am exited to receive it and though I’d ask this knowledgeable forum what I can expect in sound “signature” (for a lack of a better all-encompassing term) between the MC312 and the R150?

The rest of my system is a Rega P10 tt with Apheta 3 cart, a Simaudio MOON 310LP/320S phono stage/linear power supply, a PrimaLuna EVO 400 tube preamp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers. 
 

Would love to tap into any thoughts you all have about these two amps and the difference I can expect. Thanks!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xbimmerlover
mesonto
90 posts
 

I fooled around with MacIntosh and ARC, once upon a time. It was expensive. I ended up dumping all my Macintosh for all brand new ARC equipment. Nowadays I have a mixture of ARC and solid state.

I think the comments above are correct, Macintosh is not so defined and more boomy. The ARCs tend to have finer detail and a more open presentation.

Saying this I know Macintosh enthusiasts will defend their product to the end and so be it. But I have to treat it like it’s just another piece of audio gear bought and sold.

In the end both companies are fantastic and you pick or you choose the one you wish.

Certainly you are not hurting with either.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,767 posts
 

@bimmerlover 

Yeah, a lot of people put in the kt150’s.  ARC put them in the SE model as well.

Question,  do you have a 20 amp outlet near your rig?  ARC uses 20 PC’s on almost everything.

bimmerlover's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
bimmerlover OP
47 posts
 

@curiousjim yes, I have a dedicated 20 Amp circuit for the amp.

As for KT150s, it might be something for the future as I have not even received and plugged it in yet… :-)

Four matched pairs of KT150s (I.e., 8 in all) from Upscale Audio would set me back about $1200-$1300, so I’ll cross that bridge later. 

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